BRONZE — Félix CHARPENTIER (1858–1924) "La Chanson"

Significant bronze sculpture with nuanced brown patina representing "La Chanson" by Félix Charpentier (1858–1924). Signed "Felix Charpentier"

About the work: In 1890, Charpentier presented two major works at the Salon des artistes français, including "La Chanson," which was awarded the Prix du Salon. The plaster cast purchased by the French State was placed in the entrance hall of the Hôtel de Ville de Paris. In 1899, the bronze reduction was presented in the showrooms of the Maison Colin, his publisher since 1897.

Biography: Maurice Félix Charpentier (1858–1924), known as Félix Charpentier, was a French sculptor. Initially a student at the École des Beaux-Arts in Avignon, Félix Charpentier was admitted to the studios of Jules Cavelier and Amédée Doublemard at the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris in 1877. From 1879 onwards, he exhibited his works at the Salon des artistes français, where he showed every year. Awarded a silver medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1889, his reputation grew steadily. That same year, Charpentier exhibited the plaster of "La Chanson" at the Salon, and in 1890 received the first-class medal and the Prix du Salon for his marble sculpted after this work. In 1893, Charpentier received the médaille d'honneur for the marble "Les Lutteurs," acquired by the French State and displayed on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville in Bollène, his birthplace. From that point on, the French State commissioned several public monuments from him, including decorative work for the Gare de Lyon in Paris and the bas-relief "Art contemporain" for the façade of the Grand Palais in Paris. Appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1892, following the inauguration of the monument marking the centenary of the annexation of Avignon and the Comtat Venaissin to France, Charpentier was promoted Officier de la Légion d'honneur in 1901. In 1899, Austria awarded Félix Charpentier the gold medal at the International Triennial Exhibition in Vienna for "Le Globe dormant." He is credited with numerous statues held in several national museums, including L'Étoile filante (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nîmes). Charpentier's works also adorn many public gardens. After the First World War, he received numerous commissions for war memorials.