Portrait of Infant (Paul Fierens) 1885 - 1899

This portrait of Paul Fierens was made in France by Alexandre Charpentier, probably around the turn of the 20th century, using bronze. Charpentier was a master of low-relief sculpture. Bronze is a relatively humble material, and its use here contrasts with the traditional marble you might expect for a portrait. It has a matte, almost dusty finish. This creates a sense of intimacy, as if you are close enough to touch the child’s soft skin. To make this, Charpentier likely started with a clay model, which he then used to create a mold for casting the bronze. The fine detail, particularly in the baby's hair, speaks to Charpentier's mastery of this process. Although bronze casting has ancient roots, it was industrialized in the 19th century. This meant that sculptors like Charpentier could create multiples, making their work more accessible to a wider audience. Ultimately, this small bronze plaque is a reminder that even the most everyday materials can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful through skilled hands and careful attention.