Felix Charpentier Antique Bronze Sculpture "L'Improvisateur"

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Felix Charpentier Antique Bronze Sculpture "L'Improvisateur"

About the Item

An exceptional antique bronze sculpture capturing the mythological Pan with his flute, the work is an expression of the naturalism that overtook the arts in the late 19th century. Originally exhibited in plaster at Salon in 1887, "L'Improvisateur" was cast in bronze and was exhibited in subsequent years in bronze - the original sculpture captures Pan entirely nude, the full size sculpture visible in Charpentier's home town of Bollène, the garb being later added to allow more commercial appeal for the work. It was offered in three dimensions: 14", 23 1/2" and 31" by Colin and Cie and were carried in the catalogue of Colin until Charpentier's death in 1924. The present example is a very fine representation of the cast, exquisitely detailed throughout to capture the loose leafage and foliage throughout his ruffled hair, the sharp features of his face and strong jaw, the rough natural flute grasped in his two hands, the crisp detail of his hands and the tenons of his fingers as they stretch through his wrist, every muscle of his toned body and the twisting and chaotic furl of his loin cloth. The patina has some natural wear and is carefully preserved under beeswax. The front of the base is titled "L'Improvisateur" and the right side of the base is signed "Felix Charpentier" and is sealed with the Colin foundry mark. This example is held by prominent museums around the world and is in an absolutely wonderful state of preservation. For serious collectors of French bronze sculptures, this is a precious example, arguably one of Charpentier's finest works and certainly the one that catapulted him to recognition. It is an outstanding investment grade selection. Born in Bollène, France in 1858, Felix Maurice Charpentier moved to Paris, studying under Pierre-Jules Cavelier at the École des Beaux-Arts. He began exhibiting at Salon in 1882 with allegorical works, but it wasn’t until 1887 that his works gained any real recognition; “L’Improvisateur” won him the second-class medal at the Salon and was subsequently acquired by the Musée Du Luxembourg. He exhibited extensively, winning first and second class medals, eventually being decorated with the title of Officier of the Legión d’Honneur. An avid sculptor of the Art Nouveau spirit, a great sense of force, power and expression characterize his works of art, much of his work seeking to understand and communicate the curiosity of nature that so permeated the period. His monumental works are perhaps his most recognizable contributions, L’Art Contemporain at the Grand Palais and two reliefs “La Navigation” and “Le Vapeur” decorating the facade of the Gare de Lyon. Charpentier died in Paris in December of 1924. Under "Additional Resources", a page excerpt from Berman's work on sculpture catalogues "L'Improvisateur" in some detail. Notes: Bronzes: Founders and Sculptors 1800-1930, Vol IV, Berman, p. 953 Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, Kjellberg, p. 202-203 Art Bronzes, Forrest, p. 67-68, p. 473 E. Benezit: Dictionary of Artists, vol. III, Grund, p. 808 Condition: Slight "sink" to plug affixing flute to his lips; patina wear to handled areas: elbows, forearms, fingers, hair tips, where the flute joins his lips. Overall excellent condition.

Creator:
Félix Charpentier (Sculptor)
Dimensions:
Height: 13.57 in (34.47 cm)Width: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)Depth: 5.25 in (13.34 cm)
Style:
Art Nouveau (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Early 20th Century
Condition:
See condition notes.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 1403RGP05-Q1stDibs: LU105901242626