Nude bust of a girl vigorously sculpting a marble block (La Sculpture) 1802 - 1902

This bronze relief titled *La Sculpture* by Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier shows a nude girl diligently sculpting a marble block. The work, which is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, captures the artist's fascination with the artistic process and the human form, a theme frequently explored in the academic art of the late 19th century. Charpentier, known for his realistic and expressive sculptures, masterfully portrays the intensity of the young sculptor's focus and the physical exertion involved in her craft. The work is a testament to the enduring power of artistic creation and the dedication required to master any craft.