"Le Terrassier" by Alfred Boucher

 

This large artwork of a partially-clad field worker, entitled Le Terrassier or The Digger in English, was sculpted by Alfred Boucher (French, 1850-1934).  Boucher won the Grand Prix de Salon in 1881 and was a friend and colleague of Auguste Rodin.  This sculpture shows Boucher's robust style which championed the heroic nobility of the worker or athlete through brawny naturalism.  Le Terrassier combines the sculptor's social ideas with his highly developed sense of expression and energy. 

 

A life-size marble of Le Terrassier was exhibited at the Salon in 1890 and is now in the Musee Galliera, Paris.   The artist produced this popular sculpture in both marble and in bronze reductions of which the present example is the largest size.  Related literature: H.W. Janson & P. Fusco, The Romantics to Rodin: Nineteenth Century French Sculpture, Los Angeles, 1980, pp. 52-53, fig. 41, illus. for an example of this sculpture in marble; P. Kjellberg, Les Bronzes du XIXe Siécle: Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs, Paris, 1987, p. 120, illus. for another bronze example.

 

This is an original 19th century French bronze casting by the famed Barbedienne foundry.  The sculpture boasts wonderful detail and a rich greenish-black patina finish.  Condition is excellent, with some minor abrasions consistent with its age.  Please be sure to click on the "View More Images" link above to see additional views of this stunning sculpture.

 

Le Terrassier stands an impressive 26½" high by 21" wide by 12" deep, and is signed "A.BOUCHER" and inscribed "F. BARBEDIENNE, Fondeur" in the bronze.

 

This is a fine quality bronze sculpture, made to the highest standards.  We guarantee your satisfaction.

 

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