3-008-614 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Iron figure castings by M. Ducel, of Paris, in the International Exhibition, 1862. 'Though exceedingly large - Diana and the female portrait statue being lifesize without the stand, and Neptune about twelve feet in height - they are each cast in one piece, and are yet apparently as perfect as small bronzes. The eagles are energetic and clutch the balls on which they rest with great firmness; and Neptune is remarkably spirited, being in earnest in his work of spearing the dolphins, while these creatures are exceedingly grotesque and ornamental, and seem to prick up their fins in excitement...These figures are treated in such a manner as to imitate various materials: the eagles, Diana, the portrait statue, and the two busts would readily be taken for plaster casts, Neptune for a work in bronze, and the pedestal-like bracket, terminated in a boy blowing a horn, for a sculpture-piece in marble. These are works of great interest and well deserve notice'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.