Raoul Larche (1860–1912), *the Golden Nereid*
Artist: Raoul Larche (1860-1912)
Bronze with a golden patina, signed “RAOUL LARCHE” at the bottom right.
Cast during the artist’s lifetime.
Base made of Moroccan onyx.
Circa 1900
Dimensions
Height with base: 51 cm
Height without base: 44 cm
Base diameter: 24 cm
Description
A gilded bronze sculpture by Raoul Larche depicting a Nereid guiding a dolphin, a composition full of movement and refinement. Larche, a great sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, presents here a mythological scene animated by great fluidity. The Nereid is depicted in a whirling gesture, her torso slightly turned, the drapery floating around her as if carried by the sea breeze. Her delicate, dreamy face—very characteristic of the artist—lends a poetic softness to the entire piece.
The dolphin surges from the stylized waves in an energetic burst, contrasting with the feminine grace and reinforcing the effect of upward movement. The curved lines, the spiraling dynamism, and the quality of the chiseling recall the influence of Art Nouveau in Larche’s work, without ever sacrificing anatomical precision or expressive vitality.
The gilding on the bronze beautifully captures the light, making the reliefs of the drapery and the waves shimmer. The sculpture rests on an elegant onyx base, which enhances the piece as a whole and highlights its decorative character.
This piece is a stunning example of Raoul Larche’s talent, combining technical virtuosity, mythological poetry, and decorative presence. An ideal work for connoisseurs of Belle Époque sculpture, sought after for its refinement and visual impact.
Biography of Raoul Larche (1860–1912)
A French sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his elegant, expressive style reminiscent of Art Nouveau. Born in Saint-André-de-Cubzac in 1860, he showed a talent for sculpture at a very early age and enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under renowned masters such as François Jouffroy and Alexandre Falguière. He regularly exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français, where he received several awards that helped establish his reputation.
Larche was particularly interested in the female figure, which he depicted with a sense of movement, grace, and fluidity that became his signature style. Although he was not officially part of the Art Nouveau movement, his curved lines, light drapery, and dynamic compositions closely resemble its style. He also created furniture, decorative objects, and limited-edition bronzes for a refined clientele of the Belle Époque.
Among his most famous works are his interpretations of Loïe Fuller, the renowned American dancer, whose light and movement he captured in bronzes that have become iconic. His body of work also includes numerous mythological, allegorical, and symbolist figures, in which he blends anatomical realism with poetic imagination.
Raoul Larche died prematurely in 1912, at the age of 52, leaving behind a body of work distinguished by its virtuosity and sense of movement. Today, his sculptures are highly sought after for the quality of their chiseling, their decorative power, and their expression, which is so characteristic of the Belle Époque aesthetic.
Cast during the artist’s lifetime.
Base made of Moroccan onyx.
Circa 1900
Dimensions
Height with base: 51 cm
Height without base: 44 cm
Base diameter: 24 cm
Description
A gilded bronze sculpture by Raoul Larche depicting a Nereid guiding a dolphin, a composition full of movement and refinement. Larche, a great sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, presents here a mythological scene animated by great fluidity. The Nereid is depicted in a whirling gesture, her torso slightly turned, the drapery floating around her as if carried by the sea breeze. Her delicate, dreamy face—very characteristic of the artist—lends a poetic softness to the entire piece.
The dolphin surges from the stylized waves in an energetic burst, contrasting with the feminine grace and reinforcing the effect of upward movement. The curved lines, the spiraling dynamism, and the quality of the chiseling recall the influence of Art Nouveau in Larche’s work, without ever sacrificing anatomical precision or expressive vitality.
The gilding on the bronze beautifully captures the light, making the reliefs of the drapery and the waves shimmer. The sculpture rests on an elegant onyx base, which enhances the piece as a whole and highlights its decorative character.
This piece is a stunning example of Raoul Larche’s talent, combining technical virtuosity, mythological poetry, and decorative presence. An ideal work for connoisseurs of Belle Époque sculpture, sought after for its refinement and visual impact.
Biography of Raoul Larche (1860–1912)
A French sculptor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his elegant, expressive style reminiscent of Art Nouveau. Born in Saint-André-de-Cubzac in 1860, he showed a talent for sculpture at a very early age and enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under renowned masters such as François Jouffroy and Alexandre Falguière. He regularly exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français, where he received several awards that helped establish his reputation.
Larche was particularly interested in the female figure, which he depicted with a sense of movement, grace, and fluidity that became his signature style. Although he was not officially part of the Art Nouveau movement, his curved lines, light drapery, and dynamic compositions closely resemble its style. He also created furniture, decorative objects, and limited-edition bronzes for a refined clientele of the Belle Époque.
Among his most famous works are his interpretations of Loïe Fuller, the renowned American dancer, whose light and movement he captured in bronzes that have become iconic. His body of work also includes numerous mythological, allegorical, and symbolist figures, in which he blends anatomical realism with poetic imagination.
Raoul Larche died prematurely in 1912, at the age of 52, leaving behind a body of work distinguished by its virtuosity and sense of movement. Today, his sculptures are highly sought after for the quality of their chiseling, their decorative power, and their expression, which is so characteristic of the Belle Époque aesthetic.
2 900 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Art Nouveau
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Bronze
Diameter: 24 cm
Height: 51 cm
Reference (ID): 1808762
Availability: In stock
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