|
The world of arts
Franceschi and Pradier
The two sculpture romantics:
Gwen Heart
|
Le Revell sculptured by Jules Franceschi. White marble. Height: 64 cm.
Width: 31.5 cm.
|
France holds a very important place in the world of sculpture and the
French are truly passionately proud about them especially the Romantics.
Though most of the sculpture are not as famous as those of Michael
Angelo's, they remain enigma and mysterious. To name the French icons of
sculpture such as Louis-Ernest Barrias (1841-1905), Alfred Boucher
(1850-1934), Antoine-Louis Barye (1796-1875), Jules-Aime Dalou
(1838-1902), Honore Daumier (1808-1879), Edgar Degas (1834-1917), Paul
Dubois (1827-1905), Alfred Duocand (1828-1894), Jules Franceschi
(1825-1893), After-Francoise Giradon (1628-1715), Pierre Fulbert
Larregiue (d 1886), Aristide Maill (1861-1944), Jules Moigniez
(1835-1894), Alphonse Henri Nelson (b 1854), Charles Paillet
(1871-1937), James Pradier (1790-1852), Auguste Rodin (1840-1917),
Francois Rude (1784-1835).
These are some of the sculptors I can name at random who are equally
as good as the Italian icons that belong to the 19th and early 20th
centuries and essentially romantics. Among them, the two that have stood
in my favour are Jules Franceschi and James Pradier.
The owner of Robert Bowman Sculpture who has been dealing with the
19th and 20th century sculpture, built up his high profile career during
the sixteen years at Sotheby's, London. He was one of the Board
Directors as well as the head of the 19th century sculpture department.
In 1992, he set up his own business after leaving Sotheby's dealing in
all sculpture medium that included bronzes, marble, terracotta, plaster
and lead.
Bowman was invited to be a consultant to Bonhams Auctioners as well
as other institutions. He also sits on the Sculpture Vetting Committee.
His sculpture ranges through neo-classical, romantic, Animalier and
English New School to Symbolist and Impressionist. He exhibits them
around the world as well as by appointment in London.
Most of his sculpture are priceless and beyond the reach of even the
affluent art collector.
Jules Franceschi 1825-1893. He awed the world of sculpture with his
Le Revell carved in white marble with its height of 64 cm and a width of
31.5 cb. Breathtakingly beautiful it depicts a semi-nude young woman
reclining on a chair, her garments draped over, causing a sensuous
effect but not necessarily sexual.
The true beauty of a female physique, just about transferring from
girlhood to womanhood, may have been the sculptor's idea. She is about
to awake from a lumber but not without the doves roosting on her
clothes. Very delicate and refine, epitome of a great mind.
Franceschi though French was of Italian parentage with his father
being an ornamental sculptor that fascinated his young son, Jules. He
studied initially at the Echole de Desim in Besancon before moving over
to Paris with his sculptor brother in 1841. The pair started under a
genius called Francois Rudd who was one of France's icons.
The young Jules produced some of the most delicate, imaginative
allegories of mythological women what included the famous Young
Huntress, Andromeda, Fortune etc. Rivalling Carpeaux, he was also a
famous portrait sculptor. He also worked on a series of buildings with
figures for the Gare da Nord. and the Church of the Saint Sulpice in
Paris.
|
Sapho sculptured by James Pradier. Bronze, silvered and gilt.
Height: 45 cm. |
James Pradier - 1790-1852. One of the most acclaimed neo-classical
sculptors of the first half of the nineteenth century, James Pradier,
also called James was born in Geneva to a French family. Along with his
two brothers Pradier was trained as a sculptor.
Already a medallist, he was taken over by Napoleon's Superintendent
of Arts. he was sponsored and taken to Paris by Dominique Vivant Denon
for a stint at the Ecole des Beaux Arts.
His major academic success was to win the Prix de Roma in 1813 and
also went on to win a first class medal at the Salon of 1819. This was a
great turning point in his professional career as he started to be
commissioned, one of which was The Monument to The Duc De Berry in 1820.
Many of his sculpture were purchased by the Government for
exhibitions. He also became very popular with King Louis Philippe apart
from a very demanding public. His favourite art work was of Sapho, a
bronze, a gilt and silvered standing tall at 45 cm. This beautifully
draped figure, looks every bit a saree with oriental jewellery adorning
her neck and hands.
The model for this great sculpture was Louise Collet, herself a poet
an the Gustave Flaubert. Sapho was a Greek muse and a poet and has been
represented by a lyre and a poet's scroll which has been placed at the
pillar by her side. Pradier used Sapho as his inspiration on at least
three other occasions, the earliest of which is Sapho Standing in 1840s.
Some of his collections evolving around Sapho are displayed at: Sapho
- Angers Museum, Angers; Sapho - Osbourse House, Isle of Wright; Seated
Sapho - Muser d'Oray, Paris; Satyr and Bachant - Louvre, Paris.
|
