catalog text
“LA REVE” BRONZE SCULPTURE OF THE DREAM AFTER MODEL BY LUCIEN PALLEZ
Plaque reads “LA REVE par L. Pallez, Hors Concours”, Medaille d’Or cachet from Paris Exhibition of 1900 verso, stamped T.H., signed L. Pallez in base
Item # 809MKP29J
A large and moving work by Lucien Pallez from the first quarter of the 20th century, this fine bronze sculpture captures a nymph rising on the clouds over swirls of florals as she looks down from the heavens on the earth below. The work was presented at the Paris Exhibition of 1900 and bears the cachet of Medaille D’Or on the reverse. It is a powerful piece with a dreamy quality about the casting with soft features and smooth flowing clouds that hint at the surreal subject matter. She raises in her hand a single drooping flower. It is a powerful piece that is infrequently found on the open market.
Lucien Pallez was born on May 22nd of 1853 in Paris, eventually becoming a student of Aime Millet and also studing under Guillaume. He began exhibiting at Salon in 1873 and in 1875 he was awarded a bronze medal, a travel busary in 1883 and silver medal in 1885. He achieved silver medals at the Expositions Universelles in 1889 and 1900 and was made Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur in 1887.
Further Reading and Other Examples:
- See Christies, 24 October 2006, Sale 1716, lot 332
- E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Gründ, 2006, vol. X, p. 815-16
Measurements: 29” H x base 9” W x 9 1/2” D
Condition Report:
Very minor patina wear, overall remaining in excellent condition.