Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Adrien Étienne Gaudez
Adrien Étienne Gaudez A patinated bronze group "Duo Difficile"

$18,800
£14,322.73
€16,514.68
CA$26,310.22
A$29,397.29
CHF 15,378.04
MX$360,504.96
NOK 196,502.17
SEK 186,336.11
DKK 123,257.90
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

This exquisite patinated bronze group, "Duo Difficile," is the work of French sculptor Adrien Étienne Gaudez (1845-1902). Circa 1880, the sculpture showcases Gaudez's exceptional ability to capture movement and emotion within the static medium of bronze. The piece presents a duo of musicians, intensely engaged in the performance of a challenging piece of music, as suggested by the title. Each figure is rendered with meticulous detail, from the flowing locks of hair to the fold of their garments, exemplifying the Romantic era's fascination with dynamic forms and expressive faces. The violinist's focused expression and the flutist's concerted effort are palpable, encapsulating a moment of musical tension and harmony. The sculpture rests on a revolving circular plinth, encouraging viewers to engage with the work from multiple vantage points, and thus fully appreciating the roundness of form and continuity of narrative. The plinth itself is not just a base but an integral part of the artwork, adorned with a plaque that is inscribed with the title "Duo Difficile Par A. Gaudez Hors Concours," indicating Gaudez's esteemed status as beyond competition, likely referencing his receipt of the French 'hors concours' honor, which exempted esteemed artists from jury evaluations in salons. A. Gaudez's signature is prominently placed on the sculpture, asserting the authenticity of this impressive bronze. This lot offers collectors an opportunity to acquire a significant work by Gaudez, whose sculptures are celebrated for their lifelike vitality and expressive detail. Date: 19th Century Origin: French Dimension: 28 x 12 inches    A Luminous Legacy: The Art of Adrien Étienne Gaudez As we consider the contributions of Adrien-Etienne Gaudez to the canon of 19th-century sculpture, we are reminded of the elegance and expressivity that characterize the French artistic tradition of this period. Born in 1845 in the scenic town of Lyon, Gaudez embraced the Romantic movement's fascination with realism and emotion, translating it into bronze with a deftness that earned him both national and international acclaim. Educated at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Gaudez studied under the tutelage of renowned sculptor François Jouffroy, honing a craft that would see his works exhibited with distinction in the Salon of French Artists. His sculptures, often historical or allegorical in theme, resonate with the spirited dynamism and intricate detailing that became hallmarks of his style. In the realm of public commissions and private collections, Gaudez's sculptures stand as testaments to his mastery over form and narrative. His works, such as the illustrious "Duo Difficile," reflect not only his technical prowess but also his capacity to invoke the intangible—capturing the essence of human experience and the subtleties of individual emotion. Posthumously, Gaudez's oeuvre continues to command attention and respect, with his pieces being integral to collections that celebrate the artistic vigor of the Belle Époque. As a Sotheby's expert curator, it is an honor to present works by an artist of such enduring influence and distinguished skill, whose creations continue to enchant and inspire collectors and art enthusiasts around the globe.
  • Creator:
    Adrien Étienne Gaudez (1845-1902, French)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Diameter: 12 in (30.48 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: SB032024-011stDibs: LU1282115596012

More From This Seller

View All
A Fine Edmond Levêque Patinated Bronze of Les Deux Esclaves
Located in New York, NY
EDMOND LOUIS AUGUSTE LEVÈQUE French, (1814 - 1875) Les Deux Esclaves Gilt bronze, signed Leveque 30 x 14 1/2 inches
Category

19th Century Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Fine Pair of Patinated Bronze Sculptures by Hippolyte Moreau
By Hippolyte François Moreau
Located in New York, NY
HIPPOLYTE FRANÇOIS MOREAU French, (1832-1927) ‘Eaves Dropping’ and ‘Consolation’ Patinated bronze; signed ‘Moreau’ 25 x 11 inches
Category

1880s Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze Sculpture Statue by Alexandre Dercheu
Located in New York, NY
JULES-ALFRED-ALEXANDRE DERCHEU French, (1864-1912) L'Amour Désarmé A nude girl holding Cupid away with her left arm, her left foot on his quiver, on a circular base, seated on a ro...
Category

1890s Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

A splendid patinated bronze statue by Mathurin Moreau
Located in New York, NY
Patinated bronze figural statue depicting Zephyrus, god of the west wind, as he embraces his bride Flora. The couple are seen draped in flowers as if they have just married. Flore et...
Category

19th Century Romantic Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Sculpture of Two Lovers
Located in New York, NY
VINCENT DESIRE RAURE DE BROUSSE French, (1876-1908) Bronze Sculpture of Lovers Inscribed ‘Faure de Brousse’ H 31 in. x W 18.50 in. x D 15.5...
Category

Late 19th Century Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

French Patinated Bronze Figural Group on Bronze by Moreau
By Mathurin Moreau
Located in New York, NY
MATHURIN MOREAU (French, 1822-1914) Signed: ‘Moreau’ 19th Century 31 1/2 in. x 20 in.
Category

19th Century Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

You May Also Like

Pair of Bronze Figures by Etienne-Henri Dumaige
By Etienne-Henri Dumaige
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Fine Pair of Bronze Figures Entitled 'Avant le Combat' and 'Apres le Combat', Cast from the models by Etienne-Henri Dumaige (1830 - 1888). Signed H. Dumaige, with title plaquet...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique Bronze Sculpture Genius and Brute Force by Cyprien Godebski
By Cyprian Godebski
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique bronze sculpture Genius and brute force by Cyprien Godebski, 1835-1909. Impressive sculpture. France 1888. Weight 50 KG. This sculpture is illustrated in Les bronzes de XIXe siècle, Pierre Kjellberg...
Category

Antique 1880s Polish Romantic Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Rare 19 Century Bronze Statue Titled "Mutualite" by Maurice Constant Favre
By Maurice Constant Favre
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A very rare and beautifully cast late 19th century bronze by Maurice Constant Favre (1875-1915), titled " Mutualite" depicting two bare chested muscular blacksmiths, an older stockie...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Romantic Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Adrien-Etienne Gaudez, French, 1845-1902 Bronze La Fortune Récomponse Le Travail
By Adrien Étienne Gaudez
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Adrien-Etienne Gaudez La Fortune Récomponse le Travail signed: A. Gaudez, inscribed title plaque LA FORTUNE RECOMPENCE le TRAVAIL / PAR A. GAUDEZ / HORS C...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bronze sculpture "La Renommée", Signed Julien Causse
By Julien Causse
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture depicting "La Renommée" in bronze with brown patina by Julien Causse. This young woman draped, bare shoulders, blows in a reed-shaped horn. She seems to be rising from a ro...
Category

Antique 1890s French Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Petite Bronze Sculpture by Adrien Étienne Gaudez
By Adrien Étienne Gaudez
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Adrien-Étienne GAUDEZ (1845-1902). A classical 19th century statue in patinated bronze of a seated young woman, dressed in flowing robes, her attention caught by a fluttering bird pe...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze