Lot 120: Joseph Bernard French, 1864-1933 , a torso of Victory bronze, dark brown patina on red and green veined marble base

signed: J. Bernard stamped CIRE PERDUE AA HEBRARD and inscribed (3) bronze, dark brown patina on red and green veined marble base

measurements note overall: 34.5cm., 13½in.

Despite the early influence of Rodin, Bernard never worked in his studio, preferring to work nights at a printing press to finance the lean early years of his career rather than work for another sculptor. The present figure is a version of Bernard's Victory, which he worked on from 1928-1931. Like Rodin Bernard would rework and fragment his models. The full-length winged figure with her right arm outstretched has been distilled to focus on the torso and head, with its open mouthed cry of victory.

It was in this late period of Bernard's career that his impact was most keenly felt. As one critic of the 1927 Salon d'Automne wrote: 'if all sculptures influenced by Bernard were removed from the galleries, what would there be left?'

RELATED LITERATURE
Bruton Gallery, p. 85; Rinuy, fig. 30, p. 42