Indien à l’affût - Edouard Drouot (1859–1945), fin XIXe siècle

This finely executed bronze sculpture by Edouard DROUOT (1859–1945) depicts an Indigenous hunter captured in a moment of intense concentration, lying in ambush. Titled “Indien à l’affût” (“Indian on the lookout”), the work conveys both physical strength and psychological tension, characteristic of Drouot’s expressive naturalism. The figure is modeled with remarkable anatomical precision, while the textured base, suggesting ground cover and vegetation, enhances the realism and narrative quality of the composition. The bronze displays a rich, warm patina, highlighting the sculptor’s refined surface treatment and attention to detail. The sculpture is signed and titled on the base, confirming its authenticity. A strong example of French sculpture from the late 19th to early 20th century, combining ethnographic subject matter with academic craftsmanship.