Alexandre Falguiere (1831-1900), Signed And Bears The Stamp Of The Founder “thiébaut Frères Fondeurs

Alexandre Falguière (1831-1900) is one of the most renowned sculptors of 19th century France. Born in Toulouse on September 7, 1831, he trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse, before joining the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1854 where he became a student of François Jouffroy, an academic sculptor. It was under the influence of his master that he developed his style, which is part of the classical tradition, but with a modern and realistic sensibility.

Falguière experienced his first great success when he won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1859 with his bas-relief entitled **"Méphistophélès Emportant Marguerite"**. Thanks to this award, he went to stay at the Villa Medici in Rome, which marked a decisive turning point in his career. In Rome, he was deeply influenced by the art of Antiquity, but also by the Italian Renaissance. These influences are reflected in his works, which are characterized by great anatomical rigor and classical elegance.

One of Falguière's most emblematic works is his sculpture **"Tarcisius"** (1868), which represents the young Christian martyr, symbol of innocence and sacrifice. This work is praised for its realism and dramatic intensity. At this time, Falguière distinguished himself by his ability to represent human bodies with great anatomical precision, while infusing them with a certain emotional gravity.

In 1870, Alexandre Falguière was commissioned by the French government to create a monument commemorating France's victory in the Franco-Prussian War. This project, the **"Victoire"**, was completed in 1874. This allegorical work, which represents a winged woman brandishing a laurel wreath, is praised for its power and expressiveness.

The bronze depicting **"Diana en buste"** is a remarkable example of Falguière's art. Diana, goddess of the hunt in Roman mythology, is frequently depicted in Western art because of her association with nature, purity and strength. Falguière's choice to depict the goddess as a bust demonstrates his interest in representing the human figure in its noblest aspects. The patina of the bronze gives the work a visual and tactile depth, accentuating the purity of the forms and the nobility of the subject. This bust rests on a marble base, adding a touch of refinement to the whole.

This bronze is signed and bears the stamp of the foundry **Thiébaut Frères**, one of the most renowned foundries in Paris at the time. The Thiébaut foundry, founded by the brothers Victor and Léon Thiébaut, was particularly known for the quality of its castings and its collaboration with the greatest sculptors of the time, including Falguière. The signature of this foundry on the bronze testifies to the care taken in its creation.

In addition to his work in sculpture, Alexandre Falguière was also a talented painter. He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, where he presented both paintings and sculptures. His paintings, although less well-known than his sculptures, reveal a similar sensitivity in the treatment of forms and emotions.

Falguière also left his mark on the institutional level. In 1882, he was appointed professor at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he taught many artists who would later make careers. Among his most famous students was Antonin Mercié, who would himself become a renowned sculptor.

Towards the end of his life, Falguière received many distinctions, including the Commander's Cross of the Legion of Honor. He also completed several important public commissions, including monuments to great men in French history, such as the monument to Balzac and that of the composer Fromental Halévy.

Alexandre Falguière died on April 19, 1900, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy. His contribution to the art of sculpture is marked by his ability to combine realism and classical ideals, while addressing varied themes ranging from mythology to contemporary history. His works continue to be admired in museums around the world, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

This beautiful sculpture is available for sale in my shop at 57 rue Victor Hugo, 76000 Rouen

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