Portrait of Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (1824–1898), greatest of French decorative painters 1885 - 1899

This bronze relief by Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier, titled “Portrait of Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (1824–1898), greatest of French decorative painters”, is a striking and intimate portrayal of the renowned French artist. Executed in a highly realistic style, the work captures Puvis de Chavannes in profile, highlighting his strong features and contemplative expression. The artist's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer into the portrait. The work is a testament to the close relationship between the two artists, a bond that is palpable in the sensitive rendering of the sitter's visage. This small-scale sculpture is a powerful example of Charpentier's skill as a portraitist, and a valuable record of Puvis de Chavannes's legacy as a prominent figure in French art.