Adolphe Itasse - Carrara Marble - Boy With Birds

A magnificent Carrara marble statue depicting a boy protecting a bird, its nest, and its young from a snake.

The exquisite craftsmanship testifies to the talent of the sculptor, Adolphe Itasse.

Adolphe Itasse (1829–1893) was a French sculptor and medalist whose work is firmly rooted in the 19th-century academic tradition. Born in Paris, he trained at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he studied under renowned masters such as Francisque Duret and François Jouffroy. From a very young age, he displayed a remarkable talent for modeling and composition, which earned him the prestigious Prix de Rome for medal engraving in the mid-19th century. His time at the Villa Medici allowed him to deepen his knowledge of Antiquity and the Italian Renaissance, lasting influences on his artistic style.

Upon returning to France, Itasse enjoyed a prolific career, participating in numerous decorative projects related to the major architectural undertakings of the Second Empire and the early Third Republic. He contributed significantly to the ornamentation of iconic Parisian monuments such as the Opéra Garnier, the Hôtel de Ville, the Louvre, and the Sorbonne. His work is characterized by great technical mastery, a keen sense of balance, and a classical elegance that met the official expectations of his time.

Alongside his monumental sculptures, Itasse distinguished himself in the art of medal making, creating exquisitely detailed portraits and allegorical compositions. His work, both rigorous and expressive, testifies to a profound attachment to academic ideals while reflecting the artistic dynamism of 19th-century France.