De Handel 1800 - 1950

This small terracotta sculpture, titled "De Handel," or "The Trade" in English, was created by Eugène Lacomblé. The figure’s rough, unrefined texture speaks to the inherent qualities of the clay itself. Lacomblé likely worked this material subtractively, building it up, layer by layer, with a careful assemblage of small coils, and then carved into it while wet. This direct engagement with the earth's material gives it a raw and immediate quality. The way the clay is handled is significant. Rather than a highly polished surface, Lacomblé has left the marks of his making process exposed for all to see. By doing so, the artist invites us to consider not only the final form, but also the labor and skill required to bring it into being. So, next time you encounter a terracotta sculpture, remember to look beyond the surface, and to consider the hands that shaped the clay.