Eros Gallery (part of Willoughby Gerrish) is delighted to offer this exhibition exploring the parallels between two of the greatest European sculptors: Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) and Aimé-Jules Dalou (1838-1902). We aim to illustrate the different aspects of their two lives and careers and consider why their legacies and reputations vary so greatly. It covers a period of huge social and political upheaval in France, following the artists through different countries over 60 years. It was a journey that saw their artwork develop from a language of romanticism to realism, though to modernity and in Rodin's case, into abstraction.
This important survey consists of over 50 works of art, including a series of major loans. Sculptures in bronze, plaster, and marble, are combined by works on paper: watercolours and prints and documentary evidence, including Dalou's passport.
The exhibition brings together examples from three important private collections. Two of the collectors have focused on Dalou and Rodin for over three decades and have lent several sculptures to museums. The third group which belonged to the sculptor Alfred Drury RA (1856 - 1944) is unique in that they are being offered for sale by direct descent. Alfred Drury was instructed by Dalou at the National Art Training School at South Kensington. Drury became a close friend, being invited to work as his praticien on Dalou's return to Paris at his atelier in the Impasse du Maine. We are also grateful to the many other collectors who have kindly offered works for loan, or sale.
We are delighted that the introduction to the catalogue is written by Melissa Hamnett, formerly Curator of Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass at the Victoria and Albert Museum and now the Head of Heritage Collections and curator of Works of Art at the Houses of Parliament.
Finally, we're excited that this exhibition gives us the opportunity to launch our latest venture, Eros Gallery, which is dedicated to artworks from the 19th and early 20th century, with a specific interest in sculpture. The gallery focuses on artistic developments in Great Britain, the New Sculpture movement, and the progression from neo-classicism to romanticism in Europe, crowned by the evolution into modern sculpture, led by Auguste Rodin at the turn of the century in France a pivotal moment. In addition to sculpture, this new company will also deal in associated artworks - paintings, works on paper, prints, and design.