In honor of the history painter, Laurens 1887

This bronze plaquette, honouring the history painter Jean-Paul Laurens, was created by Jules-Clément Chaplain. Its circular form, divided into two distinct yet related medallions, presents a fascinating study in portraiture and symbolism. On the left, Laurens is depicted in profile, his features rendered with remarkable detail, capturing his likeness, but also, importantly, his essence. The careful modulation of light and shadow gives the portrait a sense of depth, while the inscription creates a subtle geometric frame around the figure. The medallion on the right is an allegory of the art of painting. A painter’s easel is presented with books titled "History." Here, Chaplain creates a dialogue between the artist and his craft. The objects, carefully arranged, point to painting as an intellectual pursuit, deeply intertwined with history. The inscription “Pittura,” is a declaration of painting itself. Consider how Chaplain uses the circular format to contain these dual aspects of Laurens' identity. The continuous, unbroken line of the circle might suggest the cyclical nature of history, or perhaps the enduring legacy of the artist himself.