19th Century French Belle Epoque Statue by Victor Rousseau (1865-1954)

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19th Century French Belle Epoque Statue by Victor Rousseau (1865-1954) displays the artist's talents in emulating the style that glorified … Read more 19th Century French Belle Epoque Statue by Victor Rousseau (1865-1954) displays the artist's talents in emulating the style that glorified rural life during the waning years of the 19th century. Cast in spelter and given a patinaed multi-hued bronze finish, it is set upon a turned wood base faux-painted to look like rouge marble. The sculpture depicts a young lad with scythe over one shoulder, holding a canteen of water in the other, pausing during his harvesting work to look at an interesting sight. Note the details in the garments and the charming expression on his face which are hallmarks of the style.
Born in the Ardennes region, Rousseau studied at the Academie Des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. He is best known for his busts, statues and public monuments and occasional sculpted portraits. Rousseau descended from a family of stonemasons, and began carving at only 11 years of age. His studies included apprenticeship under sculptor Georges Houtstont (1832-1912), and indeed Rousseau became a professor of sculpture, then later director during two separate terms at The Academie Royale des Beaux-Arts from 1901 to 1935.
Circa 1895
Measures 16H x 6.5 in diameter See less