19th century bronze the fort des halles de Paris, The strong man.c1870

19th century bronze the fort des halles de Paris, The strong man.

This impressive and unusual bronze sculpture is by the French sculptor Leon Mignon (1847 - 1898). 

It represents The strong, who were few in number, were recognized at first sight by the "coltin": a large characteristic hat in yellow leather with very wide brims and equipped with a lead cap inside, which allowed them to support heavy loads. "stuck" on the head and which protected it, as well as the neck and the shoulders.

As a distinctive sign between them, the strong wore, on the lapel of their blouse, a rectangular plate - silver or copper - with the arms of Paris, indicating their title of "Fort" and engraved with their surname.

To carry the loads to Les Halles there were also other employees: the porters or carriers, dressed in a blouse and wearing a cap. They were in charge of chores on the “carreau des Halles”, the space around the pavilions where the open-air sale took place.

It is very well modelled with good detail to the characterful face which is finished in gilt. The figure stands on a raised circular plinth that bears the signature L Mignon and has a Brussels foundry mark for R.G Debraze at the back. This piece is in good condition and has a dark brown patination to the plinth and in contrast, the figure is in dark green.  Circa 1870