Lucien GIBERT (1904-1988) - Lot 167

Lucien GIBERT (1904-1988) Egyptian head, 1966-67 in limestone signed lower right, countersigned and dated 1966-67 on the back 35 x 29.5 x 11.5 cm NOTICE Lucien Gibert (1904-1988) is one of a number of twentieth-century French sculptors who combined tradition and modernity. Renowned for his figurative works, he made a name for himself with busts, statues and public monuments, while also working as a medallist. Trained at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts de Paris, Gibert quickly demonstrated his technical mastery, winning prestigious prizes including the Prix de Rome in 1930. His work, marked by a deep respect for the human form, oscillates between classical realism and modern sensibility. His portraits, often imbued with rigor and elegance, reveal an ability to capture the essence of his subjects while respecting the proportions and harmony of forms. Among contemporary artists close to Gibert, Paul Belmondo (1898-1982) stands out for a similar approach to classical figurative painting. Like Gibert, Belmondo strove to represent the human figure with elegance and sensitivity, seeking to preserve a certain aesthetic harmony. Charles Despiau (1874-1946), who worked as Rodin's assistant, also shares this quest for simplicity and purity of form, particularly in his serene, calming portraits. Lucien Gibert was also influenced by monumental sculptors such as Alfred Janniot (1889-1969), whose monumental public works left their mark on urban space. Janniot and Gibert shared a taste for monumental sculptures, integrated into architectural projects or commemorative monuments. Finally, Henri Bouchard (1875-1960), another great figurative sculptor, also influenced Gibert with his attachment to the human figure and his classical works relating to everyday life. Throughout his career, Gibert evolved while remaining faithful to a classical aesthetic, blending harmony and modernity. His works, which can be found in numerous public collections such as the Musée d'art moderne de la Ville de Paris, bear witness to his importance in the French artistic panorama of the 20th century.