Style Other / Ref.11192

Mathurin MOREAU (1822-1912) - Psyche, statue in white statuary marble

Signed « Math Moreau ».

This Statuary marble sculpture representing Psyche is signed by Mathurin Moreau, known for many public monuments sculptures in bronze or cast iron. One of the greatest French sculptors of the 19th century, Mathurin Moreau was rewarded at the Salons of 1855, 1859, 1861 and 1863, as well as at the Universal Exhibitions of 1867, 1878 and 1889. He is also known for his political commitment, author of an essay about misery in 1851, and mayor of the 19th arrondissement of Paris in 1878.

Son of a sculptor, Mathurin Moreau early learnt the great art of sculpture in the round and won the second Prix de Rome at the age of twenty-one. Upon completion of his studies, he worked with the great Val d'Osne foundry, so that his models adorn the public space throughout France, as well as Geneva, Liverpool, or Peru and Buenos Aires.

Among his most famous monumental works are the sculptures of the Fontaine de Tourny, gold medal at the World’s Fair of 1855, which today adorns the esplanade of the Parliament of Quebec, as well as Oceania (1878), installed in front of the Orsay Museum in Paris.

His marble statues are also celebrated and were quickly bought by the French state, such as the Fileuse (1861) for the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris. Along with this activity as an official sculptor, Mathurin Moreau has produced a large series of marble statuettes, exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français and often drawing their subject from the mythology as is Daphnis and Chloe kept in the Orsay Museum.
Thus, Psyche is part of this production for private decoration made by a prolific artist.