Henri Étienne DUMAIGE (1830-1888), "Et in Arcadia ego".

bronze, base - brown and black marble;
H: 80 cm; W: 53.5 cm; D: 28.5 cm;
Signed and dated on base at right: H. Dumaige 1876;
Foundry signature on base left: H. Houdebine Bronzier 1876;

Sculpture on a rectangular base with rounded shorter sides depicting a standing woman dressed in an antique flowing robe, with a young man looking on, kneeling at her feet and scattering plants, wearing a hat and supported by a wooden stick decorated with ears.
The title of the sculpture - adopted from the artist's literature - is a free inspiration / distant reference by him to Nicolas Poussin's work "Et in Arcadia ego" (1638-1640, Louvre).
The depicted sculpture echoes the reflection on the passing of the beauty of the image of nature, an idyllic moment.
The Parisian foundry Houdebine et Cie. was founded in 1845 by Henri Houdebine. Sculptures from this company were exhibited at international 113 exhibitions in the 19th century and early 20th century.