The production of artistic bronze items was developed mostly in two countries — France and Russia.

In France, this process began in the second half of the 18th century, and in Russia — a little later, closer to the end of the century. In both countries, the development of this industry was promoted by the construction of palaces, which required a variety of interior bronze décor.

French and German artisans played a significant role in the growth of this industry in Russia. They taught the first Russian students in the molding, chasing, and casting classes at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. They also participated in the operation of the first state-owned Russian production enterprises, opening their own workshops that later became factories, and selling their finished products in shops.

There were three stages in the development of Russian bronze production. The first stage was the palace period, which lasted from the late 18th century to the first half of the 19th century. In the second stage, which occurred in the second half of the 19th century, the production transitioned to an industrial basis. The third stage, which spanned from the 1890s until 1917, was the period of both mass production and original castings produced by private art studios on commission.

The displayed bronze figurine represents Robinson Crusoe, a character in the novel of the same name by the English writer Daniel Defoe. The novel was published in April 1719 and dedicated to the moral rebirth of man in communion with nature.

Daniel Defoe based his novel on the story of the Scottish boatswain Alexander Selkirk who spent several years as a castaway on a desert island in 1704–1709. Defoe described conditions and isolation similar to those that Selkirk experienced. However, while Selkirk became unsociable on the island, Robinson experienced a moral rebirth.

“Robinson Crusoe” gave rise to the classic English novel and led to the popularity of pseudo-documentary fiction. It is often considered the first true novel in English.

In terms of printed copies, Robinson Crusoe has long held an exceptional position not only among Daniel Defoe’s works, but also in the world of literature in general. It was first published in Russia under the title “The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, an Englishman among Nature”. In the early 20th century, the book became popular again due to the Art Nouveau trends with their natural features.