Georges Chauvel (1886-1962) - "motherhood"

Direct carving on Lens stoneSigned "G. Chauvel" on the right terraceCirca 1930/35 Dimensions:Height: 98 cmWidth: 29 cm - Depth: 42 cm Female nudes and maternity are favorite subjects for Georges Chauvel. His figures, lying down, seated or in graceful postures, evoke sensuality and serenity. In this work emerges an impression of deep calm, harmony and great tenderness. The forms are simplified but retain great expressiveness.Biography:Georges Chauvel, born in Elbeuf in 1886, and died in Val Saint Germain in 1962. He studied sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Rouen for three years in the studio of Alphonse Guilloux. He was also inspired by the work of Rodin and Bourdelle. An artist-soldier during the First World War, he became known for sculpting the bust of General Mangin (1916) and the Grenade Thrower (1917). His career as a sculptor really took off after 1918: he exhibited for the first time at the Salon des Indépendants in 1919, and regularly participated in major exhibitions, including the Salon d'Automne. The creator of numerous war memorials (Villemomble, Gisors, Long in the Somme), he received several commissions from the State and the City of Paris. In 1919, he moved to rue Lhomond in Paris's 5th arrondissement. His favorite subject was the female nude in the neoclassical spirit of the interwar period. He also worked as a ceramic model maker. In 1936, he settled in Val-Saint-Germain (Essonne) and continued to produce until 1949. After 1945, he restored the statues in the park of Versailles. He is buried in the Val-Saint-Germain cemetery where his tomb was surmounted by one of his works, before being stolen. His works are exhibited in many museums: Musée de la Piscine, Roubaix; Musée des Années Trente, Boulogne-Billancourt; Musée de l'Armée, Paris. Paris Manaus Gallery