Lot 81: Jules-Félix Coutan , French 1848-1939 Femme Torchère bronze, brown patina

signed Coutan and inscribed THIEBAUT F RES FONDEURS . bronze, brown patina

measurements height 6 ft. 1 1/2 in. alternate measurements 187 cm

Coutan had a highly successful career as a sculptor and designer, which began with his winning the Prix de Rome in 1871 whilst studying under Pierre-Jules Cavelier at the École des Beaux-Arts. He went on to contribute to the sculptural decoration of many of Paris' most important buildings, such as the Hôtel de Ville and the Palais de Justice. His international portfolio included a pediment in New York's Grand Central Station and a monument to Carlos Pelligrini in Buenos Aires. He was Director of Design at the Sèvres Porcelain factory in the 1890s, before replacing Falguière at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1900.