Impressive mythological bronze sculpture “Nymphe de Diane” signed Eugène Aizelin
SoldFrench bronze sculpture “Nymphe de Diane” signed Eugène Aizelin
Large French bronze sculpture group titled “Nymphe de Diane” by Eugène‑Antoine Aizelin (1821–1902), depicting Diana, the goddess of the hunt, accompanied by her faithful greyhound. This sculpture was cast by the prestigious bronze foundry Ferdinand Barbedienne in Paris, under the supervision of the artist himself. Aizelin entrusted the edition of this work to Barbedienne in 1887, during his lifetime....
The sculpture portrays the goddess Diana in the guise of a nymph, gracefully poised with a bow in her hand and a quiver slung across her back. Her loyal greyhound stands beside her, drinking from a spring. Diana’s composed, serene demeanour, enhanced by mythological symbolism and the presence of her devoted companion, imbues the composition with both elegance and narrative depth. In Greek and Roman mythology, Diana is revered as the patroness of the countryside, hunting, crossroads, and the Moon. She is also venerated as a virgin goddess and protector of childbirth.
The work is inscribed “NYMPHE DE DIANE” on the front of the terrace and signed “E. AIZELIN” on the right side. Additionally, it bears the foundry mark “F. BARBEDIENNE. FONDEUR” on the back of the terrace.
This sculpture is in excellent condition, retaining its original dark brown patina. It stands as a superb example of 19th‑century French bronze casting, impressively executed by one of France’s foremost sculptors and produced to the highest standard by the renowned Barbedienne foundry.
Details of the sculpture “Nymphe de Diane” signed Eugène Aizelin
Origin: Paris, circa 1887.
Dimensions: Height 79 cm (31.1″), Width 32 cm (12.6″), Depth 22 cm (8.7″).
Weight: 26 kg.
Eugène Antoine Aizelin (1821-1902)
Eugène Aizelin was born in Paris from the marriage of designer Claude-Jacques Aizelin and Marie-Louise-Eugénie Delan. He entered the School of Fine Arts on April 3, 1844 where he was a pupil of sculptors Jules Ramey and Auguste Dumont. Subsequently Aizelin participated in the Salons from 1852 to 1897 and in the Universal Exhibitions of 1878, 1889 and 1903. There he won several awards: a third medal at the Salon of 1859, a second medal in 1861, a third medal at the Universal Exhibition of 1878. Finally he sent his bronze Mignon group to the Universal Exhibition of 1889 at which it was awarded a gold medal. Eugène Antoine Aizelin received the Legion of Honor in 1867 and was elevated to the rank of Officer of the same order in 1892. His public commissions include work for the Paris Opera, Hôtel de Ville, and notable churches across the city.
Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810–1892)
Ferdinand Barbedienne, renowned as one of the foremost bronze founders of the 19th century, partnered with Achille Collas to pioneer mechanical reduction techniques, enabling the production of beautifully finished bronzes in multiple sizes. Barbedienne’s atelier cast works by leading artists of the era, including Rodin and Barye, and maintained the highest technical standards throughout its operation.
Literature
- Pierre Kjellberg, “Bronzes of the 19th century”, Schiffer Publishing, 1994, p. 37-38.
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