catalog text
PIERRE-LOUIS DÉTRIER
French, 1822-1897
"Un Amateur at Salon" (1888)
Sand-cast and patinated bronze | original engraved plaque on front noting title "Un Amateur / Salon 1888", unsigned | probably cast circa 1890
Item # 311LRG19Z
A humorous grouping of an art critic examining work at the Salon, it depicts an impeccably dressed gentleman of great seriousness pouring over every detail of a landscape painting presented on a large easel. He has removed his hat and left his folio of notes on the floor, having withdrawn his magnifying glass so that even the most minute detail can be considered before forming an opinion. And by the title on the plaque, apparently he has decided the work to be that of an amateur.
This particular grouping was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1888, as also noted on the plaque, where it was shown in plaster and was given the catalogue number 4030. The present cast is of a very fine quality with great attention shown in the textures applied to the face, hands and jacket of the artist. Inordinately complex, this sand-cast model is formed of nearly a dozen individually cast elements. The finishing work is of a very fine grade and the surface is patinated in a nuanced medium-brown and golden-brown coloration.
PIERRE-LOUIS DÉTRIER
Born in Vougécourt, France on July 25th of 1822, Pierre-Louis Détrier was a student of Paul Raymond Gayrard and he made his debut at Salon in 1866. He was recognized for his work in bronze, clay, and marble and his ouevre was broad, depicting historical figures and portraits, Romantic groupings and depictions of Middle Eastern and Orientalist culture and art. His marble group of Jeune mère receieved Honourable Mention in 1885 and he exhibited no less than 26 models at Salon over the course of his career, continuing to exhibit there through 1896. Detrier worked alongside sculptor Emile Hébert, together creating the sculpture Apollo. Detrier also collaborated with La Maison Raingo Frere, hiring them for a large amount of the foundry work on his models. He died in 1897. His works are part of the collection at the Langres Museum in Champagne-Ardenne
Artist Listings & Bibliography:
- E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. IV, Gründ, 2006, p. 822
- Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs de l'École Française, Vol. II, Stanislas Lami, 1916, p. 189-190
- Bronzes: Sculptors & Founders 1800-1930, Vol. II, Harold Berman, 1976, p. 336
- Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: A Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, p. 287
Measurements: 15 5/8" H x 13 3/8" W x 7" D
Condition Report:
A very well-preserved surface throughout, carefully cleaned and sealed in conservator's wax; tiny casting fissure where the easel support touches the base with a tiny brass spacer probably added, later screw added underneath for the easel support (the old screw likely failed and was replaced); minor spots of discoloration and variation in the patina. A very fine presentation.