After Auguste Moreau

After AUGUSTE MOREAU (France, 1834 - 1917).
"La Nuit".
Patinated bronze sculpture.
With signature "A. Moreau" and title on the back.
On rotating base.
Wear and tear in the patina.
Measurements: 92 x 44,5 x 35,5 cm.

Bronze sculpture of allegorical theme, "La Nuit", made after Auguste Moreau that shows us a naked female figure floating gracefully. She tilts her head and closes her eyelids, at the same time fluttering with her arms draped veils that seem to be born from the earth, as if they were bouquets of whimsical growth. The undulating ribbons that envelop her emphasize the sense of ethereal movement. This piece is an outstanding example of the romantic and symbolist style that characterizes Moreau's work, focusing on idealized beauty and connection to poetic or allegorical themes.

Son of the painter Jean Baptiste Moreau, Auguste Moreau began his training as a disciple of his older brother Mathurin. He made his debut at the Paris Salon of 1861, where he participated regularly until 1913. He was also a member of the Société des Artistes Français. His themes - genre scenes, pastoral, allegorical - and his style, realistic and full of grace, link him to other members of the Moreau dynasty. He produced mainly bronzes, although he also worked in marble and occasionally combined bronze with gold ("Victrix enfant", presented at the 1897 Salon). He made numerous editions of his works, highly demanded by the public both for their themes, very fashionable at the time, and for their naturalism and graceful beauty. We can contemplate Auguste Moreau's works in the Museums of Fine Arts of Bordeaux, Dijon, Gray and Reims, as well as in private collections both in France and in other countries (he was especially edited in the United States).