Félix Charpentier (1858–1924) — “the Improviser,” Gilded Bronze

Gilded bronze sculpture depicting “The Improviser,” a young musician standing and playing a transverse flute carved from a branch.

With his head slightly tilted toward his instrument, the figure strikes a fluid pose, brought to life by the movement of his arms and the sway of his hips. A wreath of foliage holds his hair in place, while a drape tied around his hips and the naturalistic setting lend the composition a pastoral, ancient-inspired character.

The modeling of the flesh contrasts with the more dynamic rendering of the hair, foliage, and folds. The gilding highlights these differences in relief and complements the slender lines of the silhouette.

A French sculptor born in Bollène, Félix Charpentier developed a body of work in which the human figure occupies a central place. “The Improviser” is notably represented in the Musée d’Orsay’s collections by a monumental bronze version, created between 1887 and 1889 and installed in Bandol.

Our copy bears the signature “Félix Charpentier” on the side of the terrace and the title “Improvisateur” on its front.