119 - Léon Ernest Drivier (1878–1951)

Léon Ernest Drivier (1878–1951) Crouching Nude Combing His Hair Patinated plaster Signed “DRIVIER” on the pedestal H. 28.5 cm A student of Barrias at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Léon-Ernest Drivier began his career as an assistant to Auguste Rodin. A falling-out between the two artists over his marble adaptation of the master’s *Day and Night* and their irreparable rift allowed him to explore other paths, notably those of the Independents and later the “Bande à Schnegg,” whose members advocated a break from official art and academic classicism. In 1923, Drivier even became one of the founders of the Salon des Indépendants. Alongside his senior colleagues Pompon, Bourdelle, Bernard, and Despiau, and his younger counterparts Wlérick, Janniot, Osouf, and Dejean, Drivier became one of the leading figures of modern French sculpture. He received numerous private and public commissions, both decorative and monumental. Related literature: -Marie-Anne Delesalle, *Si Drivier m’était conté: Léon-Ernest Drivier (1878–1951)*, Editions Complicités, 2019.