A Brief Introduction to French Bronze
The history of the century-old French moulds began in Paris in the second half of the 19th Century. A group of highly talented artists, trained at L'Ecole des Beaux Arts, developed a distinctive style that epitomized the classical grandeur rooted in ancient Greece and Rome. French foundries began their now famous works in "French Bronze." Around the turn of the century the Beaux Art style was followed in popularity by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which were also cast in "French Bronze" by the same foundries.
J.B. Hirsch Co. founded in 1907 by Romanian émigré Joseph B. Hirsch. The moulds might still be hidden if Abraham Hirsch had not heard of their existence. From 1948 through 1963, through a combination of prior knowledge, detective work and digging, they acquired the moulds of fifteen French foundries. Putting together this jigsaw puzzle of scrambled parts turned out to be almost as difficult as locating and acquiring them and it is an ongoing project at J.B. Hirsch Co. There are still hundreds of moulds to be assembled, a task which will take many years to accomplish. It is especially noteworthy that on the eve of the 75th Anniversary of the J.B. Hirsch Co. the Collection Francaise was exhibited at the Paris Lighting Exhibition in January, 1981.
Today, J.B.Hirsch is dedicated bringing again this glory moment of art history back to you. Satisfy your request by our experience and professional artistic craftsmanship, no matter collecting, home décor or a special gift. Every item we present is an affordable unique piece of art. Enjoy your purchasing.
