280 - ROCHET (Louis Éléonore) (1813–1878).

ROCHET (Louis Éléonore) (1813–1878). French sculptor and statuary, known in particular for his public monuments and bronze statues. He created several works dedicated to historical figures, including the equestrian statue of William the Conqueror in Falaise. Autograph letter signed “Rochet, sculptor” to Mr. Viard, mayor of Pont-à-Mousson. Paris, August 20, 1852. 3 pages, in-4. An important letter concerning the project to erect a bronze statue of Marshal Duroc in Pont-à-Mousson. Rochet mentions the recent unveiling of a monument in memory of General Le Sueur in Abbeville, then offers his services to create a statue of Marshal Duroc, Grand Marshal of the Court of Napoleon I, a native of Pont-à-Mousson. “I wish to discuss a project to erect, through public subscription, a bronze statue of Duroc, Duke of Frioul—your illustrious compatriot whom the emperor had honored with boundless trust and whose tomb was deemed worthy of being placed beside that of his sovereign at Les Invalides. ” The sculptor emphasizes the importance of paying tribute to the Empire’s great military figures and recalls several of his works, notably his statues of William the Conqueror in Falaise, Marshal Drouet d’Erlon in Reims, and Guy-Coquille in Nevers. He also addresses the financial aspects of the project, estimating that a sum of 15,000 to 18,000 francs would be sufficient to undertake the monument. A fine letter attesting to the monumental statuary projects of the Second Empire and the desire to perpetuate the memory of the great figures of the Napoleonic era. A few creases and slight foxing. In good overall condition.