Bronze Statue Of Musician Amédée Pellegrin By His Friend Jules Lebel In 1857

A charming statuette dated 1857 by the artist Jules Lebel
depicting his friend, the musician Amédée Pellegrin.

Few biographical details remain about the life and career of the sculptor
Jules-Henri Lebel, a native of Paris. Active in the mid-19th century, his style
is rooted in the tradition of realistic portraiture and salon sculpture.
He was a student of the sculptors Maillard and Hébert and exhibited a work at the Salon
of 1884.
He distinguished himself in the modeling of busts and portraits,
often using bronze for his castings. His few works demonstrate
great technical mastery and a keen sense of psychological observation.
The name of Jules Lebel is linked to that of Amédée Pellegrin,
a prominent figure in the musical world of his time. Their relationship appears to have been marked by a
strong and sincere friendship and mutual respect. As evidenced on the pedestal
of the statuette, is the inscription "To my perfect friend Pellegrin. Jules Lebel,
1857."

Amédée-André Pellegrin (Rabastens? 1821-Bordeaux 1887)
was a French musician and violinist.

Unlike the rigid style of official portraits,
Lebel here opted for the style of caricature or the

"portrait-caricature" popularized a few years earlier by
artists like Daumier and Dantan. This is a precious record of
bohemian life or the intellectual circles of the Second Empire, where artists
enjoyed portraying their friends with humor and affection.

Jules Lebel was a talented portraitist whose connection with
Amédée Pellegrin illustrates the tradition of 19th-century artist circles
where autographed works were exchanged to seal a friendship.

Beautiful patina on the medal, possibly with a small chip at the tip of the right hand.

Dimensions: base diameter: 9.7 cm; height: 20.7 cm