Alfred Boucher

Alfred Boucher (1850 - 1934) qualified academic artist inspired by mythological or biblical themes, will have a contemporary approach with his sculpture "Au But".
Boucher thus creates a group of three runners in full effort.
The rendering of the bodies is academic, reflecting his attachment to realistic design, but his passion for living models will be magnified by his interpretation of balance. Indeed we find there the force and the power of the effort to reach the goal in a perfect harmony similar to a choreography. The cropped hair adds a very contemporary look to the sculpture.
This group, which represents three naked athletes in view of the finish line of a race, is an effective part of the sporting trend that led to the organization of the First Olympic Games of the modern era.
Boucher was rewarded for this work at the Salon of 1886 and at the Universal Exhibition of 1889.
The state ordered a monumental bronze copy which was installed in the Jardin de Luxembourg in front of the Senate.

Au But remains the major work of Alfred Boucher.
The strength, the naturalism and the quality of the realization make it one of the most sought-after edition bronzes.

Siot foundry signature and numbered 741 G