Théodore RIVIÈRE (1857–1912) – Hamilcar's Elephant

Bronze cast with a richly variegated brown patina.

Signed “Théodore Rivière” beneath the right hind foot on the naturalistic base.

Bears the foundry stamp “Siot Decauville” next to the signature.

Inscribed and dated “Tunis 92” (for 1892) and numbered 7088.

Belgian black marble base in the form of a rock.

Dimensions:

Height: 30.2 cm\
Length: 28 cm – Depth: 21 cm

Upon his return from Tunis, Théodore Rivière exhibited several works at the Salon inspired by Gustave Flaubert's novel Salammbô: Hamilcar's Elephant in 1893 and Salammbô at Matho's in 1895. Both Orientalist subjects enjoyed considerable success. Published in 1862, Flaubert's novel popularized the legend of Hamilcar's elephant, which brought victory to the city of Carthage against the mercenaries.