“Return from the Fields” by Eugene Laurent (FFrench, 1832-98)
Eugène Laurent is born in Gray in April 1832. He exhibited for the first time at the Salon in 1861 and regularly attended until 1893. The sculptor presents busts and plaster or bronze medallions. He exhibits Psyche in 1886 and in 1890 a marble figure Joan of Arc. He also is the author of the Monument to Jacques Callot in Nancy and a statue of François Boucher, located on the second floor on the front side of the Paris city hall.
Auguste Moreau was born in Paris in 1834, the youngest son of sculptor and painter Jean-Baptiste Moreau. He studied with his father and also under Aimé Millet, Augustin Drumont and Jean Thomas. Each of the three Moreau brothers – Hippolyte, Marthurin and Auguste – have become renowned for the quality and the beauty of their figurative sculpture.
This work is untitled and would seem allegorical. It might have been inspired by the ancient Roman sculpture The Laocoon whereby Laocoon and his sons struggle with snakes – big snakes. This statue inspired many artists from Michelangelo to Rodin. The snake is a symbol for the many things that we struggle with in life – mostly negative.
This figure in this composition is strong and dynamic. His full bearded face shows all the anguish of the struggle. His legs and torso are stout and taut.
“The Reader” by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (born Albert-Ernest Carrier de Belleuse; 12 June 1824 – 4 June 1887) was a French sculptor. He was one of the founding members of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, and was made an officer of the Legion of Honour.
“Egyptian Dancer” by Demétre Haralamb Chiparus
Demétre Haralamb Chiparus (1886–1947) was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era.
Chinese Bronze and cloisonne jardiniere planter from the Qing dynasty
