Nude bust of a boy painting (La Peinture) (one of a pair of designs for lock-plates) 1885 - 1899

Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier created this bronze lock-plate, titled "Nude bust of a boy painting," at the turn of the 20th century. The choice of bronze is significant. It's a material that has been associated with fine art sculpture for centuries, yet here, Charpentier has used it for a functional, mass-produced object. This was cast, likely by using a sand-casting process, and the finish was achieved by using patination. The design depicts a young artist, palette in hand, seemingly caught in the act of creation. Charpentier, who was deeply engaged with the revival of artisanal practices, elevates the status of craft by employing sculptural techniques in the service of industrial design. This lock-plate invites us to consider the value and artistry embedded in everyday objects, blurring the lines between art and utility, and underscoring the labor involved in production.