At first I was thinking of this guy as a sort of beefy bathing beauty (!), but thanks to a handy attribution written by his maker on the back of the base, I realized he is famous Canadian strongman Louis Cyr (1863-1912), whose recorded feats included lifting 500 pounds with one finger and backlifting 4,337 pounds! Born Cyprien-Noé Cyr in Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville, Quebec, Cyr changed his name to Louis when his family moved to Lowell, Massachusetts in 1878, and become known as the strongest man in the world.
The sculpture was created by Quebecois folk artist Emile Bluteau, whose work I really love and have had several pieces by in the shop. Bluteau began carving in the late 70s, first birds and then "the human condition in all its moods and shapes" as described by Lyle Elder, a documenter of Canadian folk and outsider art. More about Bluteau and additional images of his work here.
This piece is signed on the underside of the base but undated; I would guess 1990s or so. I am just completely charmed by it, right down to his slightly off center belly button, and who doesn't need a strongman around?
8 7/8" t x 3 1/2" w x 3 1/8" d and in very good condition. There is one hairline crack in his base that I'm only noticing in detail photos; very minor.
