This is a late 19th century bronze figure by the French realist allegorical sculptor, Adrien Etienne Gaudez (1845 - 1902). The figure is titled "Le Forgeron" and it depicts a strong male figure of a blacksmith forging metal with a hammer and anvil. This figural form is also titled "Labor". The patina on this figure is quite fine and shows its age and that it has been well-maintained. Hors-Concours is not the foundry. This figure was exhibited at the Paris Salon and Hors-Concours means it was 'out of the competition'. Gaudez was a prize winner at the Paris Salon in 1881 and 1884. The estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of matches to this figure. Retail 'asking' prices may vary.