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Louis-Ernest Barrias (1841-1905) Bronze Bas-Relief "The Reader"

About the Item

Louis-Ernest Barrias (1841-1905) Bronze Bas-Relief "The Reader". Bas-Relief: "The Reader" is a bas-relief created by Louis-Ernest Barrias, a renowned 19th-century sculptor. The bas-relief depicts a seated woman immersed in reading. She is portrayed with a large book open on her lap, and her posture is relaxed, one arm resting on the armrest of her chair and the other supporting her head in a gesture of concentration and meditation. - Visual Details: • The woman wears a draped gown, characteristic of classical and antique attire, highlighting the folds and contours of the fabric, an element often celebrated in classical sculpture. • In the background, one can see elements indicating a studious atmosphere, such as a desk with a pen and inkwell, emphasizing the intellectual and contemplative mood of the scene. • The base and frame of the bas-relief are made of veined black marble, contrasting elegantly with the bronze of the relief and adding a touch of sophistication and richness to the work. Artistic Movement: Louis-Ernest Barrias is often associated with the Neoclassical and Academic movements. His style is marked by a rigorous attention to anatomical detail and idealized beauty, characteristics inherited from Classicism. His work, "The Reader," embodies these principles with its careful rendering of drapery, the graceful posture of the female figure, and the serene and contemplative atmosphere. - History of the Foundry: Susse Frères is the foundry mentioned on the work. Founded in 1837 in Paris, this foundry is famous for its production of art bronzes. It collaborated with many famous artists of the time, producing sculptures that are now appreciated worldwide. Susse Frères is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and its ability to capture fine details and delicate expressions in bronze. - Biography of Louis-Ernest Barrias: Louis-Ernest Barrias (1841-1905) was a renowned French sculptor, trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the tutelage of François Jouffroy. Barrias won the Prix de Rome in 1865, a prestigious distinction that allowed him to stay at the Villa Medici in Rome and perfect his art. He is known for his monumental sculptures and refined bas-reliefs. Among his most famous works are "Nature Unveiling Herself to Science" and "The Defense of Paris." Barrias played a significant role in the development of French sculpture in the late 19th century, blending classical influence and stylistic innovation. His works are often characterized by great technical finesse and poetic sensibility. - Conclusion: "The Reader" by Louis-Ernest Barrias is a representative work of his talent and style, integrating the classical principles of beauty and harmony with an academic sensibility. The bas-relief, produced by the Susse Frères foundry, is a testament to the excellence of French sculpture of that era.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.87 in (53 cm)Width: 13.78 in (35 cm)Depth: 4.73 in (12 cm)
  • Style:
    Neoclassical (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Carved,Forged,Hand-Crafted,Molded,Patinated
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Inconnu
  • Condition:
    Additions or alterations made to the original: A brass plate was affixed to the rear of the marble support to strengthen and solidify it. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
  • Seller Location:
    Ixelles, BE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10116242344842

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