Pierre Boulanger, Ironworker, and His Wife 19th century

Here we see a bronze plaquette depicting Pierre Boulanger, an ironworker, and his wife, Caroline, crafted by Louis-Oscar Roty. The dominant profile portraits evoke the tradition of Roman portraiture, symbols of civic virtue and enduring legacy. It harkens back to ancient coinage, where rulers and important figures were immortalized. This conscious revival of classical motifs connects the modern artisan to a lineage of historical importance. Consider, for example, how the sculpted profiles echo those found on ancient Roman coins, yet here they celebrate not emperors, but the everyday dignity of the working class. This act of elevating ordinary citizens mirrors the Renaissance’s humanist focus, shifting away from solely religious or aristocratic subjects. The very act of commemorating them in bronze suggests a desire to instill the Boulangers’ life and labor with a lasting cultural memory. The dedication inscribed below the portraits indicates Pierre Boulanger’s craftsmanship on buildings. This emphasizes not only their individual identities but also their contribution to society. Thus, this plaquette invites us to reflect on how symbols and artistic traditions persist, evolve, and resurface, continually shaping our understanding of value and remembrance.