Emil Jespers (1862-1918), Scherzo, Circa 1890

Emile Jespers (1862 Deurne - 1918 Antwerp), Scherzo, circa 1890. Marble bust on marble base with title plaque, 42.5 cm (total height) x 28 cm (width) x 18 cm (depth), signed “E.[mile] Jespers.” on the front edge.

- Material-related discoloration and minimal chips, also material-related, overall in very good condition

- The nature of the scherzo -

In keeping with the character of the musical scherzo, the youthful face displays features that are both playful and cheerful as well as piquant and erotic. It is the face of a demythologized faun who, in keeping with the nature of the scherzo, turns his head in surprise to gaze at something with desire and dreaminess at the same time. The choice of a bust, which is usually strictly frontal and has a timeless monumental effect, makes the young man's movement appear all the more spontaneous and dynamic, which in turn corresponds to the virtuosity of the scherzo and enhances the bust's liveliness.

Emil Jespers succeeds impressively in illustrating the character of the scherzo through sculpture. He has created an extremely rare allegory of a musical subject that expresses musicality itself.

About the artist

Emile Ludovicus Martinus (Emile) Jespers was a Belgian sculptor. He trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and opened his own studio in 1885. In 1887, he founded the Flemish art circle “Eigen Vorming” together with the sculptor Alfons Baggen and the painter Jan van de Riet. Jespers mainly created busts, figures, and reliefs in marble, ivory, and bronze. His style was influenced by the French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. He exhibited his work at home and abroad and worked on commission for the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, among others. He died in 1918 at the age of 56 and was buried at Schoonselhof. His five children include the sculptor Oscar Jespers and the painter Floris Jespers.