In Honor of George Duplessis, Curator of Prints, Bibliothéque National 1886

Curator: Tell me, what’s your first impression of this piece? It’s titled, “In Honor of George Duplessis, Curator of Prints, Bibliothèque Nationale.” Editor: He seems like the kind of guy who knows where the good stuff is hidden. Solid, dependable... and maybe a touch world-weary? It has this… almost monochromatic solemnity. Curator: It does. It's a bronze relief, crafted back in 1886 by Louis-Oscar Roty, who was quite the medalist and printmaker. I think that tone is spot on! Editor: Ah, Roty! Yes, now that you mention it, I see how the material almost mutes the figure, pulling it back, forcing me to really observe his character. Is that an intentional humbling of the sitter or reverence? It is quite touching that such formal honourings were a thing back then. Curator: Possibly a bit of both? Roty knew Duplessis, likely admired him. The lettering chimes the name ‘George Duplessis’ at the very top, next to the sentiment “homage of profound respect” running along the side… there is genuine sentiment, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Oh, undeniably. There’s such a focus on capturing the likeness in profile, so precisely etched that it’s nearly photorealistic but there’s the texture too, isn’t there? A human touch that a photo would lack. Do you think this level of personal detail was something that helped people connect to these pieces then and now? Curator: I’d argue yes. Relief sculptures like this were, and still are, very tactile. There’s something inherently engaging about an image that exists both in the visual and physical realms. Also, the use of the portrait in memorial, a tribute...these concepts add emotional weight, rendering the work timeless. Editor: Exactly! It's a small monument, capturing an individual, imbuing dignity that invites quiet contemplation... like looking back to witness genuine feelings cast in metal from another time. I appreciate it. Curator: Me too. It reminds me of the subtle, profound ways art can connect us not only with the past, but with the value of acknowledging individual contribution.