105 - Jean Boucher (1870–1939)

Jean Boucher (1870–1939) Mask of Victor Hugo Circa 1910 Terracotta mask H. 40 cm In 1906, the sculptor Jean Boucher was commissioned by Charles I, King of Portugal—who was then visiting Paris—to create a monument in honor of the poet Victor Hugo. Although the project was abandoned following the king’s assassination, the model depicting Victor Hugo walking on the rocks by the sea in Guernsey was exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1908 and acquired by the French government. A granite version was donated to the island of Guernsey—the poet’s place of exile—in July 1914. Our mask likely belongs to the studies the sculptor made for his monument. Related works: -Jean Boucher, Victor Hugo in Exile, c. 1913, granite, H. 315 x W. 235 x D. 155 cm, Guernsey, Candie Garden; -Jean Boucher, Victor Hugo, bronze, signed “Jean Boucher,” Valsuani stamp, H. 69 x W. 46 x D. 46 cm, Guernsey, Victor Hugo House, inv. 1509; -Jean Boucher, Mask of Victor Hugo, ca. 1908–1914, bronze, signed “Boucher,” H. 35 x W. 23 x D. 12 cm, Guernsey, Victor Hugo’s House, inv. 1503.