Albéric Collin (1886-1962) - "sea Lion Awakening"

"Sea Lion Awakening" A very fine bronze cast with a glossy black patina. Early lost-wax casting by Claude Valsuani. Foundry mark on the base to the left near the tail. Marked "Bronze". Signed in the wax "Albéric Collin" and dated 1947 on the base. Dimensions: Height: 20.7 cm Length: 23 cm Depth: 18 cm Biography: Albéric COLLIN (1886-1962) Albéric Collin: A Master of Animal Sculpture Born in Antwerp in 1886, Albéric Collin is today recognized as one of the greatest Belgian animal sculptors. After a promising start in caricature and figurative sculpture, he quickly turned to the animal world, finding an inexhaustible source of inspiration at the Antwerp Zoo. A Decisive Encounter It was there that he met Rembrandt Bugatti, whose influence on his work would be considerable. Their deep friendship, marked by mutual admiration, profoundly shaped Collin's style. As he would later confide, "Rembrandt advised me, helped me, and pushed me to perfect my art." A stylized animal world. Through meticulous observation of animals, Collin manages to capture their very essence. His sculptures, often in bronze, are distinguished by their dynamism, simplicity, and elegance. He does not simply reproduce forms; he expresses the emotions and attitudes of the animals. Movement is at the heart of his work; details are sublime, surfaces are fluid. A renowned artist. Throughout his career, Albéric Collin participated in numerous exhibitions, both in Belgium and abroad, winning many prizes and distinctions. His monumental works, such as the elephants created for the World's Fairs in Antwerp and Brussels, testify to his talent and renown. Even today, Albéric Collin's sculptures are highly prized by collectors and art lovers. They can be admired in numerous museums, particularly in Belgium, as well as at the Antwerp Zoo where they were created. (Galerie Paris Manaus)