Cauvet (French: 1731-1788) was the sculptor for Louis XVI's brother, the comte de Provence who later became Louis XVIII. He also directed the Académie de Saint-Luc which was the guild of decorative painters and sculptors. This bronze depicts Athena holding a shield in one hand and a spear in the other. The helmeted lady stands on a round ball that symbolizes the Earth. Mounted on a 3-layered rouge marble plinth. Signed "PAR J.R.CAUVET. SCULPTOR DE MONSIEUR FRERE DU ROI 1783." along the side of the base. Weighs 56 pounds.

Very good with an attractive patina. The spear is broken at the bottom and is no longer attached to the sphere.