Antonin Mercie

French, 1845 - 1916

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Marius Jean Antonin Mercié (October 30, 1845 – December 12, 1916) was a distinguished French sculptor, medallist, and painter, born in Toulouse and later based in Paris.

At the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Mercié honed his craft under the tutelage of renowned artists Alexandre Falguière and François Jouffroy. Remarkably, at the young age of 23, he secured the coveted Grand Prix de Rome, catapulting him into the limelight of the art world.

Among Mercié's earliest triumphs were the iconic sculptures "David" and "Gloria Victis," both acclaimed at the Paris Salon and earning him the esteemed Medal of Honour. The monumental bronze "David," a symbol of biblical heroism, remains one of his most celebrated works, now housed in the Musée d'Orsay.

Elevated to the position of Professor of Drawing and Sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts, Mercié's influence extended far beyond his own creations. His artistic prowess earned him induction into the prestigious Académie française in 1891, along with numerous other accolades, including the grand officier of the Légion d'honneur.

Mercié's portfolio includes a myriad of sculptures, reliefs, and monuments displayed in prominent locations across France and beyond. Notable works include the "Genius of the Arts" at the Louvre, the "Monument to Paul Baudry" at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, and the poignant "Quand Même!" group, celebrated for its patriotic fervor.

Internationally recognized, Mercié's legacy also extends to the United States, where his sculptures, such as the equestrian bronze of Robert E. Lee in Richmond, Virginia, and the Francis Scott Key Monument in Baltimore, Maryland, stand as enduring symbols of his artistic genius.

With his masterful craftsmanship and profound artistic vision, Marius Jean Antonin Mercié left an indelible mark on the world of sculpture, earning him acclaim and admiration for generations to come.