Stunning Tony NOEL retiarius gladiator bronze sculpture
Tony NOEL (1845-1909)
Retiarius gladiator
Large impressible patinated bronze sculpture on a thick marble base.
Excellent condition.
Signed to the bronze. Marcel Guillemard foundry mark.
57cm 23cm 59cm high
This striking bronze sculpture portrays a gladiator, captured in a moment of stillness charged with anticipation. Depicted bareheaded and lightly equipped, the figure stands poised, his body coiled with energy, evoking the tension before combat begins. Though unarmed in this rendition, the title and attire suggest he represents a retiarius — one of the most distinctive figures in the Roman arena.
The retiarius, or net-fighter, was a lightly armored gladiator who fought using a weighted net, a dagger, and a trident. Unlike his heavily armored opponents, he relied on mobility, agility, and precision. Tony Noël’s choice to depict him without weapons emphasizes the physicality and vulnerability of the fighter, shifting focus to the expressive anatomy and psychological intensity of the moment.
Exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1882, the sculpture received a third-class medal, recognizing the artist’s technical mastery and dramatic sensibility. In 1884, it was acquired by the City of Paris for its public collections — a mark of official esteem for Noël’s work.
This bronze was cast by Marcel Guillemard, a renowned 19th/20th-century French founder, celebrated for the high quality and fine detail of his castings. The rich patina and expressive surface treatment reflect the excellence of both artist and founder.
Retiarius gladiator
Large impressible patinated bronze sculpture on a thick marble base.
Excellent condition.
Signed to the bronze. Marcel Guillemard foundry mark.
57cm 23cm 59cm high
This striking bronze sculpture portrays a gladiator, captured in a moment of stillness charged with anticipation. Depicted bareheaded and lightly equipped, the figure stands poised, his body coiled with energy, evoking the tension before combat begins. Though unarmed in this rendition, the title and attire suggest he represents a retiarius — one of the most distinctive figures in the Roman arena.
The retiarius, or net-fighter, was a lightly armored gladiator who fought using a weighted net, a dagger, and a trident. Unlike his heavily armored opponents, he relied on mobility, agility, and precision. Tony Noël’s choice to depict him without weapons emphasizes the physicality and vulnerability of the fighter, shifting focus to the expressive anatomy and psychological intensity of the moment.
Exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1882, the sculpture received a third-class medal, recognizing the artist’s technical mastery and dramatic sensibility. In 1884, it was acquired by the City of Paris for its public collections — a mark of official esteem for Noël’s work.
This bronze was cast by Marcel Guillemard, a renowned 19th/20th-century French founder, celebrated for the high quality and fine detail of his castings. The rich patina and expressive surface treatment reflect the excellence of both artist and founder.
REFERENCE: to2305
