Lot 8. Louis Fournier, Emperor Guangxu, Terracotta Bust, France, 1884. Estimation : 17 000 € / 22 100 €. Photo Auctionata

Terracotta, painted polychrome. Louis Fournier – Sculptor of the 19th century, exhibited at the Salon de Paris 1864-72 - Signed and dated on the base ‘L. Fournier 1884’. Portrait bust of a Chinese Emperor, presumably Guangxu, or of a Mandarin. Traditional garments with hat, tangzuhang, long beard and plait. In the style of Charles Henri Joseph Cordier (1827-1905). Color intensive design. Facial features and materially worked clothing rendered close to nature. Dimensions: c. 77 x 50 x 30 cm 

Provenance: Alberto Bruni Tedeschi’s Collection 

Notes: Orientalism in art began in the 18th century with the role of exclusive import goods such as Chinese porcelain and ‘chinoiserie’ fashion. The increasing of the domination of Europe over the Middle East led to romanticized notions about the Orient, marked by sensuality and decadence. Towards the end of the 19th century, Orientalism was in its golden age and influenced not only the subjects in painting but also the decor and architecture.Numerous busts and statues with oriental motifs have also been created, such as offered bust and works of Charles Henri Joseph Cordier. Like Corider, Fournier tried to achieve a rich color effect, which present work exemplary testifies.

Louis Fournier (19th century) 
The sculptor, who was born in Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse in France, exhibited at the Salon de Paris from 1864 to 1872. His portrait busts and medallions depicted contemporary personalities, for example in marble or bronze. One of the busts that have been shown, portrayed the clergy Ouin-la-Croix and is now on display at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen. At the time of Louis Fournier, it were especially oriental themes that were in fashion, as the busts and sculptures by Charles Henri Joseph Cordier testify. Both artists pursued - besides the choice of similar motives - the achievement of a rich color effect. (nlu) 

Beauté Sculptée : Oeuvres d'Art à travers le Temps, le 14 Juillet 2016 à 14h - AUCTIONATA AG, 10719 BERLIN