BRONZE - Félix CHARPENTIER (1858-1924) "The Song"

Important bronze sculpture with a nuanced brown patina depicting "The Song" by Félix Charpentier (1858-1924)
Signed "Felix Charpentier"

About: In 1890, Charpentier presented two major works at the Salon des Artistes Français, including "The Song," which won the Salon prize. The plaster cast, purchased by the French State, was placed in the vestibule of the Paris City Hall.

In 1899, the bronze reduction was exhibited in the salons of the Colin firm, its publisher since 1897.

Biography: Maurice Félix Charpentier (1858-1924), known as Félix Charpentier, was a French sculptor. Initially a student at the Avignon School of Fine Arts, Félix Charpentier was admitted to the studios of Jules Cavelier and Amédée Doublemard at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1877.
From 1879 onward, he exhibited his works at the Salon des Artistes Français, where he showed his work annually. Awarded a silver medal at the 1889 Universal Exhibition, his reputation continued to grow. That same year, Charpentier exhibited the plaster cast of "La Chanson" at the Salon, and in 1890, he received the first-class medal and the Salon prize for his marble sculpture based on this work.

In 1893, Charpentier received the Medal of Honor for the marble sculpture "Les Lutteurs" (The Wrestlers), acquired by the French state and now adorning the square in front of the town hall in Bollène, his birthplace. From that date onward, the French state commissioned several public monuments from him, including the decoration of the Gare de Lyon in Paris and the bas-relief "Contemporary Art" for the façade of the Grand Palais in Paris. Appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1892, following the inauguration of the monument commemorating the centenary of the annexation of Avignon and the Comtat Venaissin to France, Charpentier was promoted to Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1901.

In 1899, Austria awarded Félix Charpentier the gold medal at the Vienna International Triennial Exhibition for "The Sleeping Globe." He created numerous statues now held in several national museums, including "The Shooting Star" (Museum of Fine Arts of Nîmes). Charpentier's works also adorn many public gardens. After the First World War, he received numerous commissions for war memorials.

Ref: KV6D3O6Y25