Antoine Bourdelle
Antoine Bourdelle is a major figure in French sculpture of the early XXᵉ century. A pupil of Alexandre Falguière and assistant to Rodin, he embodied the artistic transition between academicism and the modernist avant-garde. Born in Montauban, he showed an early talent for sculpture and, after studying in Toulouse, moved to Paris to develop his unique style.
Antoine Bourdelle
Powerful, expressive works
Bourdelle’s style is characterized by a balance between formal simplicity and emotional intensity. He moved away from naturalism to pure, symbolic forms. His work “Héraklès archer” (1910) perfectly illustrates this approach: taut movement, expressive musculature, restrained energy.
Antoine Bourdelle
Art in the public space
A true master of monumental sculpture, he brought his art into the public arena with such major achievements as the Monument to Mickiewicz (Krakow), the Monument to Alvear (Buenos Aires) and the bas-reliefs for the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Paris), all of which testify to his talent for fusing sculpture and architecture.
A timeless heritage
His studio, now the Musée Bourdelle in Paris, welcomes visitors from all over the world, testifying to the lasting impact of his work. Bourdelle’s sculptures are a blend of strength and sobriety, and his quest for universal beauty remains a source of inspiration.