Important 19th-century bronze sculpture depicting a young girl reading, holding a basket on her arm, created by the famous French sculptor Mathurin MOREAU (1822–1912), a major figure in French academic and naturalist sculpture. The sculpture is signed “Moreau Mᵗʰ” on the terrace and carries the mention “Hors concours,” an honorary distinction reserved for artists officially recognized at the Salon des Beaux-Arts, allowing them to exhibit without jury. This mention attests to the artist's high institutional status at the time of the edition. The model stands out for its great quality: subtle treatment of the drapery animated by movement, graceful attitude, soft and concentrated expression of the face, finely sculpted bare feet. The warm brown patina, nuanced, deep, and homogeneous, remarkably highlights the volumes and details. With its large dimensions and heavy weight, this bronze offers a strong decorative presence, characteristic of fine edition casts from the late 19th century. In very good overall condition. No restoration, no shocks, no cracks. Homogeneous old patina with slight natural nuances. Maximum dimensions: Height 55.5 x 19.5 cm / Base diameter 16.6 cm Weight: 12,853 grams. Ultra-secure shipping worldwide. Pickup of orders possible by appointment at 7 Rue Notre-Dame 18000 Bourges. Possibility of grouping into the same package: please contact me beforehand so that I can calculate your optimized shipping costs.