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Alfred Boucher for sale on 1stDibs
The son of a farm worker, Alfred Boucher was born in 1850 in the French commune of Bouy-sur-Orvin and rose to prominence as a prolific, award-winning artist during the late 19th century, producing meticulously detailed sculptures for the likes of royalty and presidents.
When he was young, the Boucher family moved to Nogent-sur-Seine where his father secured gardening work for sculptor Joseph-Marius Ramus. Ramus, who worked in the neoclassical style, saw potential in Boucher. He invited him to work in his studio and helped him get a scholarship to Beaux-Arts de Paris when Boucher was 19 years old.
In Paris, Boucher studied under esteemed sculptors Augustin Dumont and Paul Dubois. He began to develop a unique style characterized by a sense of life, movement and symbolism. While Boucher is known as an academic sculptor, his work usually paid tribute to day laborers — an understandable endeavor given his father’s role as a farmhand.
As his profile grew, Boucher also secured commissions to create busts of prominent figures in the scientific community as well as politicians. The artist became friendly with Auguste Rodin — widely considered the father of modern sculpture — and mentored Laure Coutan and Camille Claudel. Later, in 1902, Boucher founded the low-cost studios La Ruche in Montparnasse to support young artists.
Boucher participated at his first salon in 1874, winning a bronze medal. He later lived in Italy and further honed his skills, and was awarded the Prix du Salon in 1881. He received the Grand Prix at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900.
Boucher was promoted to Grand Officer in the Légion d'Honneur in 1925 and passed away in 1934.
Find original Alfred Boucher sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right figurative-sculptures for You
Figurative sculpture is a modern art form in which artists create work that is typically representative of the visible world. However, sculptures that are considered to be figurative in style can definitely be inclusive of abstract elements. A wide range of antique, new and vintage figurative sculptures has been made over the years by both well-known and emerging artists, and these pieces can prove striking and provocative as part of your home decor.
Realistic representation in visual art has a very long history. And while figurative artists, whether figurative painters or sculptors, find inspiration in humans, animals and real-life objects, good figurative sculptures can make us think differently about how the real world should look. Just as figurative paintings might include Photorealistic human likenesses, they can also include elements of Surrealism and can suggest a creative and alternative reality. Figurative sculptures aren’t always realistic impressions of our world — depictions of the human form in classical Greek sculpture, for example, might emphasize beauty and physical perfection.
There are a variety of figurative sculptures on 1stDibs created by artists working in a number of styles, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, mid-century modern and more. A large figurative sculpture can introduce an excellent focal point in a guest bedroom, while smaller works might draw the eye to spaces such as wall shelving or a bookcase that people may otherwise overlook.
When decorating your living room, dining room, home office and study areas with figurative sculptures, don’t be afraid to choose bold colors to inject brightness into neutral spaces. Texture is another factor to consider when purchasing figurative sculptures. A highly textural work of ceramics or wood will catch the eye in a sleek modern space, whereas a smooth, flat glass sculpture can offer an often much-needed contrast in a room that already has many textures.
On 1stDibs, find antique, new or vintage figurative sculpture or other kinds of sculpture for your home decor today.