Frémiet Emmanuel, Paris, 1824 - Paris, 1910; was a prominent French sculptor, renowned for his realistic depictions of animals and his iconic public monuments. His work is celebrated for its precision, anatomical accuracy, and emotional depth. Below is a brief history of his life and career:

Early Life

Born: December 6, 1824, in Paris, France.

Frémiet grew up in a family with artistic connections and began studying drawing and sculpture at a young age.
He worked as an assistant to his uncle, François Rude, a celebrated sculptor known for his work on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Career

Frémiet initially gained recognition for his animal sculptures, which showcased his mastery in capturing the nuances of animal anatomy and behavior. He created many small-scale bronze works of animals for private collectors.
He worked as a sculptor for the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, where he studied animal specimens and created scientifically accurate models.
His sculptures often combined realism with a sense of movement and vitality, elevating the genre of animalier (animal sculpture).

Notable Works

Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) (1874, Place des Pyramides, Paris):

This iconic equestrian statue of Joan of Arc is one of Frémiet's most famous works. It depicts the national heroine in full armor, symbolizing French patriotism.
A revised version of the statue was installed in 1889 to correct historical inaccuracies.
Saint Michael Vanquishing the Devil (1900, Mont-Saint-Michel):

A monumental gilded bronze statue that crowns the spire of Mont-Saint-Michel, representing Saint Michael slaying a dragon.
Gorilla Carrying Off a Woman (1887):

A controversial work that showcased his fascination with the tension between human and animal forms. The piece reflects the late 19th-century interest in Darwinism and naturalism.
The Wounded Bear and The Wounded Dog:

Smaller works that exhibit his attention to animal emotion and struggle.

Later Life

Frémiet became a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he mentored young sculptors.

He succeeded Antoine-Louis Barye as a prominent figure in the animalier tradition.
His dedication to scientific accuracy and his ability to convey dynamic life in his sculptures secured his place as one of the leading sculptors of his time.

Death

Frémiet died on September 10, 1910, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential sculptors of the 19th century.