Sculpture - Hope , Félix Pierre Richard (1848-1912) - Bronze

Important and majestic bronze bust with brown patina , representing an allegory of hope, by the sculptor Felix Pierre Richard (1848-1912). 
The woman is represented with her head slightly turned , looking peacefully towards the horizon . 
An anchor , symbol of hope , rests on her head , she wears a crossed dress revealing her neckline which refers to feminine sensuality ; the folds of the drape enhance the sophisticated side of the dress . 
"Hope" usually has the anchor as a symbol , because this mass which holds the boat despite the agitation of the sea symbolizes stability and assurance . This virtue allows the man who is wavering to escape the turmoil of existence . The shape of the anchor also brings it closer to the cross . 
Bust titled "ESPÉRANCE Salon Des Beaux-Arts", in a gilded bronze cartouche . 
Signature of the sculptor "F.Richard" hollow , on the back of the bust .
Old edition sculpture , period second part of the 19th century . 
Perfect state of conservation and patina . 

Dimensions : 67 cm x 45 cm x 17.5 cm 

Felix Pierre Richard (1848-1912)

Felix Pierre Richard is a French sculptor , born in La Tronche , near Grenoble , on November 28 , 1848 . 
He began his apprenticeship with the sculptors François Jouffroy (1806-1882) and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875). 
He exhibited in 1890 at the Universal Exhibition, where he obtained an "Honorable Mention". 
He is the author of the marble bust of "Monseigneur Laurencin" in the church of La Tronche . 

Known for his figurative sculptures in bronze and terracotta , he was particularly fond of representations of women .
Felix Pierre Richard rejects the constraints of the morals of his time and of realism in his female portraits , the often asymmetrical and offbeat composition aims to glorify the "Woman". 
He represents them in extremely idealized , feminine and seductive forms .

The colors of his patinas and the ornamentation of his works are often inspired by fauna and flora .