Louis-Ernest Barrias, The Reader, 1890s-1910s, Bronze

Details

Description

Bas-Relief:

"La Liseuse" (The Reader) is a bas-relief created by Louis-Ernest Barrias, a renowned 19th-century sculptor. The bas-relief depicts a … Read more Bas-Relief:

"La Liseuse" (The Reader) is a bas-relief created by Louis-Ernest Barrias, a renowned 19th-century sculptor. The bas-relief depicts a seated woman engrossed in reading. She is shown with a large open book 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 dress, characteristic of classical and antique attire, highlighting the folds and contours of the fabric, an element often celebrated in classical sculpture.
• In the background, elements indicating a studious atmosphere can be seen, such as a desk with a quill and inkwell, emphasizing the intellectual and contemplative atmosphere 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, adding a touch of sophistication and richness to the work.

Artistic Movement

Louis-Ernest Barrias is often associated with the neoclassical and academic movement. His style is marked by a rigorous attention to anatomical detail and idealized beauty, characteristics inherited from classicism. His work, "La Liseuse," embodies these principles with its careful rendering of the drapery, the graceful posture of the female figure, and the serene and contemplative atmosphere.

History of the Founder

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 around the world. 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 who trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under 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 Revealing Herself to Science" and "The Defense of Paris." Barrias played a significant role in the development of French sculpture in the late 19th century, combining classical influence with stylistic innovation. His works are often characterized by great technical finesse and poetic sensibility.

Conclusion

"La Liseuse" by Louis-Ernest Barrias is a work representative of his talent and style, integrating classical principles of beauty and harmony with academic sensibility. The bas-relief, produced by the Susse Frères foundry, is a testament to the excellence of French sculpture of that period. This piece has an attribution mark,
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