Portrait of Constantin Meunier, Belgian painter and sculptor (1831–1905) 1885 - 1899

This bronze portrait of Constantin Meunier by Alexandre Charpentier captures the dignity of the Belgian artist within a compact, circular format. The composition is dominated by Meunier's profile, his features rendered with a tactile quality that invites close inspection. The play of light across the bronze surface animates the dense texture of his hair and beard, creating a dynamic interplay between depth and flatness. Charpentier’s choice of the medallion form, traditionally used for commemorating historical figures, elevates Meunier to a figure of cultural significance. The inscription of Meunier’s name and the year, 1899, encircling the portrait, anchors the work in a specific time. The bronze medium itself conveys a sense of permanence and gravitas. The intricate detailing, combined with the smooth, polished areas, reveals Charpentier's mastery of the material. This portrait not only immortalizes Meunier but also functions as a study in the formal possibilities of bronze sculpture, engaging with questions of memory, representation, and artistic legacy.