A Belgian Bronze Bust: Nel Wouters. . Rik Wouters (Brussels, Belgium, 1882-1916) . 20th century. Bronze...

Description

A Belgian Bronze Bust: Nel Wouters

Rik Wouters (Brussels, Belgium, 1882-1916)
20th century
Bronze with marble base
Marks: signed Rik Wouters on back of neck
14-1/2 inches (36.8 cm) high


His work contemplative and serene, Rik Wouters often used his beloved wife Nel as a model. His works capture a snapshot of emotion and life as in Nel Wouters, a sculpture displayed at the Brussels International Trade Mart in 2000. With the subtle sculpting of the hair and face, Wouters was a master of shaping the female form through capturing light in subtle shades in his sculpture. Due to his brief life of only 34 years, only a few of his works are extant. His pioneering work has made him recognized as the most important Belgian sculptor of the first half of the 20th century, and his sculptures have been exhibited in museums in London and Paris as well as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels for decades.

This piece is emblematic of the inspiration he received from his wife that resulted in some of his best work. An artist by the age of 12 years, Wouters was transformed by the work of Rodin and others, but developed his own calm style, later moving on to painting using familiar poses, again, many times depicting his wife Nel in art form with her slightly pursed lips, the prominent ears and textured neck with her hair pulled tightly back. Wouters' work, especially that depicting his wife, is highly sought after for its beauty and simplicity.



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