Athletics/ Reliat/ Jean-Bouin/ Trophy/ Constant Roux/ Lyon/ - Lot 1

Athletics/ Reliat/ Jean-Bouin/ Trophy/ Constant Roux/ Lyon/ 1912 Olympics/ Runner-up in the 5000m/ Reims Astonishing bronze trophy signed by the great Marseille artist Constant Roux (1865-1942) depicting Jean Bouin (1888-1914) on the Pommery-Polignac stadium in Reims. The gilded cartouche reads: "Lyon Olympique Universitaire trophy to Marcel Reliat, French junior champion 1930, French 400m champion 1931". The bronze plaque shows Jean Bouin at the height of his powers, demonstrating in Reims in 1913. He is running on the asphalt, barefoot, with a light loincloth and relaxed hand grips. Constant Roux added his signature to the stadium barriers. This spectacular bas-relief (47 x 32 x 3 cm) is like the Brennus shield leaning against a hardwood base, which enhances it as a prestigious trophy (57 x 52 cm). Marcel Reliat (1911-1931), who died in the prime of his life (aged 19), had already won two international caps and had just passed the 50s a few days earlier, when a cold suddenly took his life.