Female Bust

Ref: 2174

Female Bust

Jules Desbois

Ref: 2174

Female Bust

Jules Desbois

Circa 1900 - 1920
Terracotta
50 x 38 x 13 cm (19⁵/₈ x 15 inches)
France
Signed on the left side of the plinth: J. Desbois
Literature: Raymond Huard/Pierre Maillot, Jules Desbois, Le cherche midi, 2000
Description: Jules Desbois
(Parcay-le-Pins 1851 - 1935 Paris)
patinated terracotta

Jules Desbois

Jules Desbois
Jules Desbois (1851–1935) was a French sculptor, medallist and decorative artist whose career unfolded in dialogue with Auguste Rodin while retaining a distinct humanist sensitivity. Trained in Angers and at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Jules Cavelier, he later worked in Rodin’s studio and absorbed the expressive freedom of modern modelling. Desbois became known for movement, the female figure and uncompromising realism, especially in works addressing age, poverty, sensuality and bodily truth. His celebrated La Misère gave sculptural dignity to old age and hardship, while other works explored mythological and Symbolist subjects through marble, bronze, plaster, wood and medallic art. Around 1900 he also joined the Art Nouveau ideal of bringing art into daily life through decorative objects and editions. His sculpture stands between academic discipline, Rodinian energy and a compassionate realism that makes the human body emotionally charged.

you may also like