EUGÈNE BÉNET (Dieppe, 1863 - Paris, 1942).
"Scène galante".
Carved marble.
Signed on the lower right side.
Size: 75 x 35 x 30 cm.
Couple of lovers in marble, of neoclassical inspiration. A practically naked Adonis kisses the neck of a lady whose dress is fluttering due to the effect of the wind, which makes the fabric flutter, folding it in accomplished draperies.
French sculptor. His father was an ivory sculptor in Dieppe, with whom he began his artistic training. He moved to Paris to continue his studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, where he was taught by Alexandre Falguière and Laurent Marqueste. He began his professional career as a sculptor brilliantly, winning many medals at the Paris Salons in 1884, 1897 and 1900 for his group "The Happy Angel". In 1914, he won the gold medal. He is the author of the statue of the French soldier of the First World War wearing a wreath entitled The Victorious Poilu, which adorns many monuments to the dead in different French communes. Published by the Durenne foundry, it was one of the most widespread works of public art in France. An academic sculptor of the French school, he won numerous public commissions. Eugène Bénet's works include the following: "L'Âge heureux", marble 1900, a copy, dated 1914, is in the Jardin d'Allard in Montbrison (Loire). Statue of the Sacré-Cœur-du-Christ in silver, inside the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. Statue of Jehan Ango in Dieppe. Statue of General Gallieni in Boulogne-Billancourt. A model of this monument is kept in the collection of the Musée du quai Branly in Paris. Statue of Jean Vauquelin (1930), Place Vauquelin in Montreal (Canada).