Aimé-Jules Dalou (1838-1902) - Lot 68

Aimé-Jules Dalou (1838-1902) Lion of the Alexandre III Bridge Model created in 1898; published by Hébrard from 1907 Bronze with red-brown patina, completed with wax Signed "DALOU Bears the founder's stamp "CIRE/ PERDUE / A.A. HEBRARD" and the letter "M" for model. H. 23.6 x W. 18.7 x D. 9.2 cm In 1898, Aimé-Jules Dalou and Georges Gardet were urgently commissioned to sculpt the Alexandre III Bridge, just two years before the 1900 Universal Exhibition. The two sculptors were commissioned to create groups of lions "in the Louis XIV style". Dalou, who had a particular interest in Fauves, which he studied at length, quickly presented two strikingly energetic wax sketches, followed by terracotta models. With the help of practitioner Léon Gobet, he completed his two groups at the end of February 1899. Related work: -Aimé-Jules Dalou, Lion du pont Alexandre III, 1898, wax on patinated plaster base, H. 24.5 x W. 18.5 x D. 9.5 cm, Paris, Petit Palais, inv. PPS00264. Related literature -Amélie Simier, Jules Dalou, le sculpteur de la République, cat. exp. Paris, Petit Palais, April 18-July 13, 2013, Paris, Paris Musées, 2013, model listed under no. 113, p. 177.