Blacksmith

This plaster version of the Blacksmith belongs to one of Dalou’s most ambitious and successful groups of sculptures, the Triumph of the republic, which was erected on the Place de la Nation in Paris. He worked on the project for more than nine years. The personification of the Republic is drawn by two lions representing the strength of the population. The Genius of Freedom is steering the carriage with Abundance and Wealth following. Labour and Justice are pushing the carriage along at the sides. labour is embodied by the Blacksmith, a muscular figure with a naked torso, carrying the hammer across his shoulder and clad in a work apron and tough heavy shoes.