Lanson, Alfred Desire

Alfred Désiré Lanson was born in Orléans in March of 1851. Lanson studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Rouillard, Jouffroy and Millet. He began presenting his allegorical works at the Paris Salon in 1870 and continued to exhibit regularly through 1897. In 1875 he was awarded third place for one of his works, but his work became distinguished with the 1876 exhibition of a plaster sculpture of Jason rapport ant la Toison d’or, for which he received the Prix de Rome award. Jason was cast in three different editions by the Susse Brothers (100, 75 and 50 cm) and it was largely considered one of their most prestigious casts. He entered a bronze sculpture of Jason at Exposition Universelle in 1878 and in doré bronze in 1892 at the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts along with two other works. Lanson continued receiving some honorary medals throughout his career: in 1879 second place, in 1880 first place and in 1889, the Grand Prix at the Exposition Universelle. In 1882 he was recognized as Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur. His works can be found in several museums like Limoges, Orléans, and most notably, the Louvre. Lanson died in 1898 in Paris.

Further Reading:

• E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, vol. VIII, p. 440
• Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century, Dictionary of Artists, Kjellberg, p. 405