1515
ÉMILE-ANTOINE BOURDELLE ( 1861 - 1929 )
-
bronze
signed
ED.8
accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Rhodia Dufet Bourdelle
Provenance: A Gallery in Tokyo
Translation of the content:I certify that the sculpture "Beethoven, Buste accordé" in this photograph is an authentic work by my father, Antoine Bourdelle. This is bronze No. 2 (cast by Valsuani). It is limited to eight editions plus two artist's proofs. Paris, May 7, 1974 Rhodia Dufet Bourdelle
This certificate was signed in Paris on May 7, 1974, by Rhodia Dufet Bourdelle, confirming that the sculpture "Beethoven, Buste accordé" is an authentic work by her father, the renowned French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. This piece is cast in bronze and was produced by the Valsuani foundry. According to the certificate, the sculpture is numbered No. 2, part of a limited edition of eight official copies, with an additional two artist's proofs. This limitation further enhances the rarity and artistic value of the piece. The certificate bears the handwritten signature of Rhodia Dufet Bourdelle, authenticating the sculpture's legitimacy and provenance. Additionally, in the lower right corner of the document, the stamp of photographer Florin Dragu can be seen, indicating the professional documentation of both the photograph and the certificate. This certificate holds significant academic and market reference value and serves as an important testament to Bourdelle's artistic legacy.
ÉMILE-ANTOINE BOURDELLE was a French sculptor and painter who played a crucial role in the transition from 19th-century academic sculpture to the dynamic and expressive forms of modernism. Although he worked as an assistant to Auguste Rodin and is often associated with him, Bourdelle developed a distinctive style characterized by structural clarity, monumental forms, and emotional intensity. His work blended classical influences with bold modern aesthetics, earning him recognition as a pioneer of modernist sculpture. Bourdelle began his artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse before moving to Paris, where he continued his studies and later became an influential teacher at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. His students included renowned artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Henri Matisse, and Aristide Maillol, further cementing his legacy in the evolution of modern sculpture. His sculptures are known for their powerful, dynamic forms and deep emotional expressiveness. Many of his works are inspired by mythology, heroic narratives, and historical figures, such as his famous Héraklès Archer (1909), which showcases his mastery of movement and tension. In addition to freestanding sculptures, Bourdelle was highly skilled in architectural decoration, with his most famous commission being the relief sculptures for the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, demonstrating his ability to integrate sculpture seamlessly into architectural spaces. Bourdelle's works are housed in major museums worldwide, including the Musée Bourdelle in Paris, which was established in his former studio and preserves his artistic legacy. As both an artist and educator, he played a key role in shaping the development of modern sculpture, bridging classical traditions with innovative artistic expressions, and leaving a lasting impact on the art world.
H:51.2cm L:50.0cm W:36.0cm
(H:20 ⅙ in. L:19 ⅔ in. W:14 ⅙ in.)
2025/04/19
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