André Langeon (1926-2010) - Maternity - Sculpture; Late 1950s

This group captivates the viewer with the ineffable sweetness conveyed by the gestures of primitive tenderness between this mother and her child. The child's carrying seems to defy gravity, a perfect illustration of the quiet strength of maternal instinct.

The mother's dress, marked by numerous folds and its ample movement, recalls the work of Antoine Bourdelle, and in particular his "Penelope." Our work could also be a counterpart to "The Virgin of Alsace," responding in its gentleness to the strength of the work of the great master. This beautiful plaster also impresses with its beautiful size of 103 cm high.

Some will see a representation of Saint Anne, while others will simply perceive a universal figure of motherhood. We owe it to André Langeon. Son of the Art Deco sculptor Marius Langeon, the sculptor from Saint-Étienne went to Paris on the eve of the Liberation; he was 18 years old. Like his father before him, he was admitted to the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs, which explored graphic arts and ornamental sculpture in interior architecture.

He won the Jacquot Prize, a prize for modeled composition that exempted him from a year of military service and brought him some financial benefits. He also had the good fortune to be housed with George Hilbert, a well-established artist and future member of the Institute. In the studio that the artist made available to him, he found good conditions to sculpt and began to make a name for himself. Receiving a large number of public and private commissions, his workshop flourished until the end of the 20th century. Delivery possible, quote upon request.