Alfred Boucher (1850–1934) - "la Comédie"

“La Comédie” or “La Femme au Masque”

Carved directly from Carrara marble
Signed “A. Boucher” on the pedestal
Between 1900 and 1904

Dimensions:
Height: 86 cm
Width: 35 cm
Depth: 31 cm

“The Woman with the Mask” is a variation on “The Nymph with the Conch.” The young woman’s lower body is draped, and she holds not a conch but a comedy mask. Currently, two examples of this model are known. The first appeared at a Sotheby’s auction on November 26, 1996, in London; the second, the one we are presenting here, comes directly from the estate of Alfred Boucher’s “La Ruche.”

The Sèvres Manufactory produced a few ceramics of this model.

Bibliography: Model reproduced in the book “Alfred Boucher (1850–1934) L’œuvre sculpté, catalogue raisonné” by Jacques Piette, published by Mare & Martin under no. A34B on page 164

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A game of seduction and mystery.

All curves and delicacy, the partiallyunveiled body; a drape skillfully knotted around the hips falls in soft folds along her legs, emphasizing the sensuality of her curves.

And, with a playful gesture, she lifts atheater mask to her face, which she tilts slightly with amysterious smile. This game of concealment embodies the allegory of The Comedy.

The work attests to the artist’s technical virtuosity in working with marble, shifting from the satiny softness of the skin to the rougher, more dynamic texture of the fabric’s folds.

Galerie Paris-Manaus