Jean Paul Gourdon "walking Horse" Large Plaster

Large plaster cast by Jean Paul Gourdon depicting a heavy walking horse, on a base, signed and numbered 002. Dimensions: [Dimensions missing in original text]. In the tradition of 19th-century sculptors for whom plaster was the necessary intermediary between clay and the final material, marble or bronze. Since clay is difficult to preserve, it is also almost always the first state of the work to be kept. At a time when technical advances led to the rise of foundry-publishers and the mass production of multiples, the plaster model is precious to the historian of sculpture because it is closest to the artist's hand and often retains the marks of their work as well as those of studio life. Very good condition, signed on the base, limited edition, entirely reworked by the sculptor himself, so that each horse is unique. Jean-Paul Gourdon has been a ceramicist for over 40 years. He comes from Lot-et-Garonne. In 2007, the excellence of his work in this field was recognized. He was awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France). His works are rooted in tradition, with an oriental touch in some pieces, including hyperrealistic animals. His work is found throughout Europe. Jean-Paul Gourdon was noticed, particularly by chef Alain Ducasse, who, impressed by the realism of the ceramicist's creations, commissioned giant terrines and vegetables for his restaurants. Since then, Jean-Paul Gourdon's creations have been featured in restaurants (Ducasse, Guérard, etc.) and art galleries across Europe (Paris, London, etc.).