French Bronze Bust on Marble of “Diana” by Alexandre Falguière (1831–1900)

Details

Description

The University of Michigan’s Museum of Art, which holds such a bust in its collection, describes this aridly as a … Read more The University of Michigan’s Museum of Art, which holds such a bust in its collection, describes this aridly as a “Bust-length figure of a woman with head turned proper left, down-turned eyelids and crescent moon atop head; executed in bronze with a rich, dark patina on a brownish stone base.” Inventory-wise, that about covers it. But when “Diana” was originally presented as a full-length sculpture by French artist Jean-Alexandre-Joseph Falguière (1831–1900), she was a sensation, acclaimed at the Paris Salons in 1882 and 1887.
The artist capitalized on his success by working with Thiébaut Frères Foundry, as stamped on the back of this piece, toward creating cast bronze busts of the figure to meet public demand, one of which is on offer here.
In the full-length artwork, the huntress Diana’s focused, even disdainful gaze is directed toward her prey. However, the only remaining sign on the bust of Diana’s identity as the goddess of the moon is the half moon standing upright atop her head. Nevertheless, at nearly two feet high on her marble base, she has presence.
Characteristic of the artist’s style, Diana’s face is distinctive, even personal, rather than an idealized mask of classical proportions. Having studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, Falguière won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1859, which funded years of study in Italy. He was not only a prominent 19th-century French sculptor but also a painter, recognized as a leader of the Realist movement in sculpture and celebrated for blending classical precision with modern anatomical realism, as he has done here.
If you wish to see the artist’s sculptures on exhibit, begin at Paris’ Musée d'Orsay which holds the most significant collection, with approximately 45 works. At the Sorbonne in Paris, his statue of “Archimedes” stands in the main entrance hall. Perhaps closer to home, “Saint Tarcisius” is on view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 556. At the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. you’ll find Falguière in its collection of 19th-century French sculpture. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) possesses a bronze casting of his famous “La Résistance.” Or skip the TSA line and simply enjoy this goddess in the comfort of your own home.
Signature: verso “A. Falguière (photo #9). Maker’s mark: Thiébaut Frères, Fumière et Gavignot Successeurs, used after 1898 to 1920, (photo #10). Base dimensions: 7”w x 7”d x 6.75”h. See less