This large spelter sculpture by Mathurin Moreau has stood in my bedroom for the last seven years. Mathurin Moreau (1822-1912) was a French sculptor from the celebrated Moreau family of sculptures which included August Moreau. Mathurin sculpted in the “Academic” style which was popular during this time period. Moreau first exhibited at the
Salon in 1848. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1897. In 1912, Mathurin Moreau was named mayor of the nineteenth
arrondissement of Paris and a street was named in his honor.
Fructidor was most likely sculpted in the 1860’s. Named for the twelfth month of the French Republican Calendar (Fruit), the sculpture depicts a young man harvesting grapes. Masterfully sculpted, the figure appears to have motion and life and seems to be ready to leap from his base at any moment.
Mathurin Moreau was a master sculptor of the highest caliber. In the United States, he is rarely mentioned, however his influence on the French sculptors of his time is obvious.
Fructidor was most likely sculpted in the 1860’s. Named for the twelfth month of the French Republican Calendar (Fruit), the sculpture depicts a young man harvesting grapes. Masterfully sculpted, the figure appears to have motion and life and seems to be ready to leap from his base at any moment.
1 comment:
Definitely one of his "Hors Concours" pieces of mastermind. He was the best, particularly in the feeling he seemed to project in his work. Sometimes, as in this case, the spelter is a brilliant medium to work in.
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