The Crab Merchant By Clément d'Astanières, 1841-1918

Marked on the reverse T. Blanche of D and 14 in black ink. Significant patina. No lack to report Early 20th century Height: 23cm Count Eugène-Nicolas Clément d'Astanières, born in Paris to a military family formerly from Pézenas, denotes the framework imposed by the time and family traditions. In love with art, he sculpts, paints, sings and dances, to the great displeasure of his parents who will send him all the same to join his elders among the ranks of the army. Engaged in Marshal Bazaine's hussars, Clément d'Astanières took part in the "charge of Gravelotte", a bloody melee in the midst of the 1870 war during which he was seriously injured, left for dead, survived, then finally taken prisoner for seven months. Released, he will then be decorated for his action in the repression of the Commune, will marry and then resign from the army. If, as an accomplished artist, the various campaigns have never prevented him from practicing, his peers having long served as his model, it is once in civilian life that he can devote himself fully to his passion. Initially a pupil of Georges Clère with whom he exhibited for the first time at the Salon, he joined Falguière's studio where his talent and a sincere friendship for his master developed. Marble, plaster, clay and bronze, the whimsical retiree of the hussars touches on everything. He produced a lot, exhibited everywhere and quickly collected many medals for his work, at the Salon as well as at the Universal Exhibition of 1900. After having traveled and toured France, Clément d'Astanières, whose morals and passions astonish, put down roots in Capbreton, bought many hectares and had his estate built there. The models will follow one another. Pious, he also contributes greatly to the ornament of the church of Capbreton, creating commemorative plaques and bas-reliefs for it. This crab seller pursued by her formidable carapaced animal was probably one of the servants who worked at La Savane, the name that d'Astanières gave to her estate.
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