catalog text
GERTRUDE BRICARD (FRENCH, 1881-1963) “GIRL READING NEWSPAPER”
Cast by Thiebaut Freres, foundry sealed on verso, signed "G. Bricard”, inscribed "7 eme Eprouve"
Item # 806PPA21Z
A quite scarce sculpture, this is an unusually difficult piece to model, this free-standing bronze sculpture by Gertrude Bricard depicts a young girl who has gotten up very early to find out what is going on in the world around her. She is hunched over and completely focused on the crinkled pages of the newspaper while resting in a beautifully modeled Louis XV style bergere`draped in a large blanket with a comfortable toss pillow cushioning the back. It was cast by the Thiebaut Freres foundry and retains the roundel seal above the backmost leg of the chair - their work is always simply exceptional and the present work is true to their reputation, crisply chiseled and finished by hand.
A student of Jean Tournoux, Gertrude Bricard was a regular exhibitor at the Salon des Artistes Fracais. She was both a painter and sculptor and won honorable mention in 1904 for her work "Source”. She became a permanent member of the Salon in 1911.
Literature and References:
- E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. II, Gründ, 2006
- Sotheby’s, New York, 22 November 2005, lot 127, 13 3/4” H
Measurements: 13 5/8” H x 11 1/8” D x 12” W
Condition Report:
Old repair to back leg of chair, joint separation remaining but a very tight roman joint; light patina wear to raised elements - more notably to outstretched foot. Scuffs to patina on chair back.