Raoul Larche (1860-1912), The Golden Nereid
Artist: Raoul Larche (1860-1912)
Bronze with golden patina, signed "RAOUL LARCHE" lower right.
Made during the artist's lifetime.
Moroccan onyx base.
Circa 1900
Dimensions
Height with base 51 cm
Height without base 44 cm
Base diameter 24 cm
Description
Raoul Larche's gilded bronze sculpture of a nereid guiding a dolphin, a composition full of movement and refinement. Larche, a great sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offers here a mythological scene animated by great fluidity. The Nereid is depicted in a swirling gesture, her torso slightly swiveling, the drapery floating around her as if carried by the sea wind. Her delicate, dreamy face, very characteristic of the artist, lends a poetic softness to the whole.
The dolphin emerges from the stylized waves in an energetic surge, contrasting with the feminine grace and reinforcing the effect of upward movement. The curved lines, spiral dynamics and quality of the chasing recall the influence of Art Nouveau in Larche's work, without ever sacrificing anatomical precision or expressive vivacity.
The bronze's gilding beautifully captures the light, making the reliefs of the drape and waves vibrate. The sculpture rests on an elegant onyx base, which enhances the whole and underlines its decorative character.
This piece is a fine example of Raoul Larche's talent, combining technical virtuosity, mythological poetry and decorative presence. An ideal work for lovers of Belle Époque sculpture, sought after for its refinement and visual power.
Biography Raoul Larche (1860-1912)
French sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his elegant, expressive style akin to Art Nouveau. Born in Saint-André-de-Cubzac in 1860, he showed an early talent for sculpture and entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under renowned masters such as François Jouffroy and Alexandre Falguière. He participated regularly in the Salon des Artistes Français, where he won several awards that helped establish his reputation.
Larche was particularly interested in the female figure, which he treated with a sense of movement, grace and fluidity that became his signature. Although he did not officially belong to the Art Nouveau movement, his curved lines, light draperies and dynamic compositions strongly resembled it. He also created furniture, decorative objects and publishing bronzes for a refined Belle Époque clientele.
Among his most famous works are his interpretations of Loïe Fuller, the famous American dancer, whose light and movement he captured in now iconic bronzes. His output also includes numerous mythological, allegorical and symbolist figures, in which he blends anatomical realism and poetic imagination.
Raoul Larche died prematurely in 1912, aged 52, leaving a body of work marked by its virtuosity and sense of movement. Today, his sculptures are sought-after for the quality of their chasing, their decorative power and their expression, highly characteristic of the Belle Époque aesthetic.
Made during the artist's lifetime.
Moroccan onyx base.
Circa 1900
Dimensions
Height with base 51 cm
Height without base 44 cm
Base diameter 24 cm
Description
Raoul Larche's gilded bronze sculpture of a nereid guiding a dolphin, a composition full of movement and refinement. Larche, a great sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offers here a mythological scene animated by great fluidity. The Nereid is depicted in a swirling gesture, her torso slightly swiveling, the drapery floating around her as if carried by the sea wind. Her delicate, dreamy face, very characteristic of the artist, lends a poetic softness to the whole.
The dolphin emerges from the stylized waves in an energetic surge, contrasting with the feminine grace and reinforcing the effect of upward movement. The curved lines, spiral dynamics and quality of the chasing recall the influence of Art Nouveau in Larche's work, without ever sacrificing anatomical precision or expressive vivacity.
The bronze's gilding beautifully captures the light, making the reliefs of the drape and waves vibrate. The sculpture rests on an elegant onyx base, which enhances the whole and underlines its decorative character.
This piece is a fine example of Raoul Larche's talent, combining technical virtuosity, mythological poetry and decorative presence. An ideal work for lovers of Belle Époque sculpture, sought after for its refinement and visual power.
Biography Raoul Larche (1860-1912)
French sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his elegant, expressive style akin to Art Nouveau. Born in Saint-André-de-Cubzac in 1860, he showed an early talent for sculpture and entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under renowned masters such as François Jouffroy and Alexandre Falguière. He participated regularly in the Salon des Artistes Français, where he won several awards that helped establish his reputation.
Larche was particularly interested in the female figure, which he treated with a sense of movement, grace and fluidity that became his signature. Although he did not officially belong to the Art Nouveau movement, his curved lines, light draperies and dynamic compositions strongly resembled it. He also created furniture, decorative objects and publishing bronzes for a refined Belle Époque clientele.
Among his most famous works are his interpretations of Loïe Fuller, the famous American dancer, whose light and movement he captured in now iconic bronzes. His output also includes numerous mythological, allegorical and symbolist figures, in which he blends anatomical realism and poetic imagination.
Raoul Larche died prematurely in 1912, aged 52, leaving a body of work marked by its virtuosity and sense of movement. Today, his sculptures are sought-after for the quality of their chasing, their decorative power and their expression, highly characteristic of the Belle Époque aesthetic.
3 500 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Art Nouveau
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Bronze
Diameter: 24 cm
Height: 51 cm
Reference (ID): 1733914
Availability: In stock
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