Defeated Man, Bronze sculpture in Parc Bordelais, France.
Defeated Man is a bronze sculpture in Parc Bordelais depicting a reclining figure in a contemplative pose. The work displays skilled execution in its anatomical detail and represents the bronze casting techniques of the early 20th century.
The sculpture was completed in 1900 by French artist Gabrielle Dumontet during a period when Bordeaux underwent significant urban transformation. This era shaped the city's artistic output as new public spaces and cultural institutions took shape.
The work captures how early 20th-century artists explored human emotion and fragility through realistic portrayal of the body. It reflects the period's interest in expressing inner states and vulnerability as worthy subjects for sculpture.
The sculpture sits along the park's main paths and is easily accessible on foot for visitors. The location remains open to the public year-round during daylight hours, making it possible to view the work within its outdoor setting.
The work retains its original patina and visibly shows how bronze ages naturally over more than 120 years exposed outdoors. This visual record of time passing makes the sculpture a testament to how weather shapes artistic material.
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