Leon Pilet bronze-tone spelter plaque titled The Last Cartridges by Leon Pilet after French painter Alphonse de Neuville (1851 – 1941). This piece depicts a scene from the Franco-Prussian War, with figures in military uniform in a damaged room. It is signed in mold to the lower right with a foundry seal. This incredible plaque memorializes both an important historical event as well as a major work of art. The original painting, Le derniere cartouche (The Last Cartridge) was done by Alphonse-Marie-Adolphe de Neuville in 1873 and depicts a tension filled moment near the end of the Franco-Prussian War.

The plaque bears mark for Boussod, Valadon and CO. which was located on Rue Chaptal in Paris and was originally known as the famous Goupil & Cie., a major 19th century Parisian gallery that is probably most famous for handling Van Gogh’s work. One of the founders of the gallery was Van Gogh's uncle also named Vincent Van Gogh and the gallery was eventually run by his brother Theo between 1881 and 1890. Goupil & Cie specialized in fine art reproductions of paintings and sculptures. They were also known for making 3-dimensional reliefs, such as this one, of famous paintings and distributing them for sale.

This plaque was done between 1884 and 1887 when the firm changed its name to Boussod, Valdon & CO. The plaque is signed by Leon Pilet, a prominent sculptor of the late 19th century.

Circa 1884-1887

presented unframed without hanging hardware.

24.5" W x 19.0" H x 2.25" D