Roger Blondel (1912-1981) Sitting nude

About this piece

Beautiful sculpture of a sitting nude, it is carved directly from Burgundian limestone, by the French sculptor Roger Blondel (Rouen, 1912-1981).

The expression of this sculpture is so beautiful, almost subdued and yet proud. There is simplicity and finesse. She is in harmony with herself.

The shapes are round, the lines simple and everything is just right, look at the movement of the hair, the way she twists her body slightly. Her head down.
There is something touching about her enormous feet and hands. It is and remains fascinating to watch.

This sculpture was made in the period between 1930-1950.
The work is signed on the base with 'R. Blondel'.


Short biography:
Roger Blondel (1912-1981) comes from Rouen, where he also attended the École des Beaux-Arts. He specialized in making statues and facades. In Rouen, for example, he worked on the facade and several sculptures for the Palace of Justice. In one document it is stated that he was attached to the École des Beaux-Arts in Rouen.

He worked besides stone also with wood and terracotta.
The leading theme in his work is woman in all her facets.

His statues can be seen in various places in France, but his distinct style of working with the broad outlines and the voluptuous women have also sometimes caused resistance because people found his work too modern and offensive.There is a known case where the mayor of a town decided to pay for the statue himself instead of the town.

Roger Blondel died in 1981.

Condition

It is in generally good condition with a beautiful natural patina due to the age of the sculpture, there are a few minor damages, such as the base which has some chips on the edge and a few spots of white paint (see also the photos).