36 - Xavier ALVAREZ (Born in 1945)

Xavier ALVAREZ (Born in 1945) "Miou" Bronze cast with a reddish-brown patina tinged with green Lost-wax casting H: 77 cm Signed and dated 3/8 With accompanying certificate of authenticity Xavier Alvarez began his artistic career working with steel at the École des Beaux-Arts, under the guidance of the sculptor César. Unusually, he then chose to master the entire creative process himself and set up his own bronze foundry in Touraine. From conception to design, from casting to patina, the artist personally carries out every stage of his works. Our cat, solemn and enigmatic, elegantly illustrates his work dedicated to the animal kingdom. Reduced to its essentials, the body unfolds in a succession of curves and volumes, reaching an almost abstract stylization. Several influences are evident: the symbolic and silent power of the animal in ancient Egypt, as well as the modernity of Art Deco animal sculpture, evoking—in particular—the work of François Pompon. Its nuanced patina, dominated by dark red, is particularly original and perfectly suits the subject.