132 - Charles Despiau (1874–1946)

Charles Despiau (1874–1946) The Bacchante Model created in 1929 Bronze with a light brown, golden-brown patina Signed “C. Despiau” and bears the initials “C.D.” Bears the foundry’s stamp “CIRE / C.VAL-SUANI / PERDUE” Numbered “3/8” H. 26.5 cm In 1909, Charles Despiau exhibited a plaster cast at the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts depicting a seated, sleeping Bacchante, her head resting on her right arm, which was propped against a tree stump. From 1909 to 1929, the sculptor created several variations of this Bacchante. Designed in 1929, this version with the right leg raised was produced in a series of eight copies, as well as six enlarged proofs. In 1942, a monumental bronze version was created. Related works: -Charles Despiau, *La Bacchante*, 1909, gilded bronze, cast by Valsuani, signed “C.D.” and “C. Despiau,” 26 x 23 x 24 cm, Mont-de-Marsan, Despiau-Wlérick Museum, inv. MM 16; -Charles Despiau, Bacchante, 1909–1929, bronze, signed “C. DESPIAU,” H. 143 x W. 116 x D. 115 cm, Paris, Centre Pompidou, on loan to the Despiau-Wlérick Museum in Mont-de-Marsan, inv. AM 1124 S; -Charles Despiau, Bacchante, 1909–1929, plaster, signed “C. DESPIAU,” H. 57.5 x W. 48 x D. 45 cm, Paris, Centre Pompidou, inv. AM 1157 S. Related literature: -Charles-Albert Despiau, 1874–1946, Mont-de-Marsan, Despiau-Wlérick Museum, 1982, model listed under no. 10, p. 21; -Elisabeth Lebon, Judith van Beukering, Charles Despiau: The Unloved Sculptor, exhibition catalog, The Hague, Museum Beelden aan Zee, November 1, 2013–January 26, 2014, Bremen, Gergard-Marcks-Haus, February 9–June 1, 2014, Zwolle, Waanders, 2013, model listed under nos. 6 and 7, pp. 158–160; -Elisabeth Lebon, Charles Despiau: Classic & Modern, Biarritz, Atlantica, 2016, pp. 58–59.