Bust of a Young Man 1877

Aimé-Jules Dalou created this terracotta bust of a young man in France during the late 19th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval. Dalou was known for his commitment to Realism, a movement that sought to depict subjects from all social classes with unvarnished truth. This bust, with its focus on an everyday individual rather than a classical hero or member of the aristocracy, embodies that commitment. The loose, textured handling of the clay further emphasizes the subject's humanity, as does the figure's gaze which is directed slightly off to the side, lending an air of spontaneity. Dalou's career was intertwined with the political events of his time; his participation in the Paris Commune of 1871 led to exile in London, where he further developed his skills and reputation. To understand Dalou's work fully, we must consider the socio-political context of late 19th-century France. His artistic choices reflected a desire to challenge the prevailing academic conventions of the time, conventions he felt were disconnected from the lives of ordinary people.