1980s French Cast Iron Sculpture with Bird Motifs by René Coutelle

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This striking cast iron sculpture by renowned French artist René Coutelle embodies his mastery of form and texture. Created in … Read more This striking cast iron sculpture by renowned French artist René Coutelle embodies his mastery of form and texture. Created in the 1980s, the piece features bold, abstract bird motifs that emerge in high relief. Its robust, angular base emphasizes the piece's commanding presence. Signed lower right ‘Coutelle’. Stamped lower left ‘Monnaie de Paris 2/25’. René Coutelle (1927–2012) was a self-taught French sculptor born in Sarthe. Rooted in the region’s stonemasonry heritage, he worked with a diverse range of materials, from hard stones like marble, onyx, serpentine, and granite to softer woods such as oak, walnut, and rosewood. Influenced by iconic 20th-century sculptors like Brancusi and Zadkine, Coutelle developed a style that merged the primitive and natural beauty of raw materials with refined, intuitive craftsmanship. His works have been exhibited in numerous French sculpture showcases, earning him recognition for his ability to transform rigid mediums into forms teeming with vitality and sensuality. Coutelle's mastery lies in his ability to imbue his work with both a tactile rawness and a profound emotional resonance, celebrating the timeless connection between material and form. Bearing the Monnaie de Paris – Fonderie de Fer stamp, this work traces its origins to France’s national mint, where generations of artisans have cast medals and sculptural editions for over a century. A mark of heritage and authenticity from one of Europe’s most storied foundries. Condition: Great vintage condition. Signed lower right ‘Coutelle’. Stamped lower left ‘Monnaie de Paris 2/25’. See less