Louis Huygens, Sculpture of Priest, Bronze, 20th Century

Details

Description

1. Description of the work:

This bronze sculpture, entitled La Prieuse (The Woman at Prayer), depicts a young woman praying, … Read more 1. Description of the work:

This bronze sculpture, entitled La Prieuse (The Woman at Prayer), depicts a young woman praying, her hands clasped and her head slightly bowed, in a posture of contemplation. Dressed in a simple dress and a headscarf, she embodies modesty and popular piety. At her feet, an empty basket rests on a textured floor. The work rests on a red marble base veined with white, reinforcing the discreet elegance of the scene. The figure's contemplative attitude, the precision of the drapery, and the delicacy of the expression convey great sensitivity.

2. Artistic movement:

La Prieuse is part of the late 19th-century realist movement. This artistic movement favored a faithful representation of everyday life and ordinary people. Huygens' sculpture, with its attention to detail in clothing and simple gestures, aims to exalt the dignity of the humble. The naturalistic style, very present in this work, is evident in the meticulous observation of anatomy and clothing.

3. Artist biography – Huygens:

Louis Huygens (1849–1914) was a Belgian sculptor known for his intimate and emotionally charged subjects. A student at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, he was influenced by the social realism that was in vogue at the time. Huygens was particularly interested in scenes of rural life and female figures, often conveying moral or spiritual values. His work is characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and great humanity in its representation. This piece has an attribution mark,
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