Auguste Moreau

AUGUSTE MOREAU (France, 1834–1917).
“Allegory of Spring.”
Bronze.
Signed on the base.
Measurements: 70 cm (figure); 79 cm (height with base).
The son of painter Jean Baptiste Moreau, Auguste began his training as a student of his older brother Mathurin. He made his debut at the 1861 Paris Salon, where he would exhibit regularly until 1913. He was also a member of the Société des Artistes Français. His subjects—genre scenes, pastoral scenes, and allegorical scenes—and his style, which is realistic and full of grace, link him to other members of the Moreau dynasty. He primarily created bronze sculptures, though he also worked in marble and, on occasion, combined bronze with gold (“Victrix enfant,” presented at the 1897 Salon). He produced numerous editions of his works, which were in high demand by the public both for their subjects—which were very fashionable at the time—and for their naturalism and graceful beauty. Works by Auguste Moreau can be seen in the Fine Arts Museums of Bordeaux, Dijon, Gray, and Reims, as well as in private collections in France and other countries (his work was particularly popular in the United States).