RODIN DALOU
Past exhibition
Overview
Willoughby Gerrish are pleased to present 'Rodin Dalou', an 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 lives and careers, and consider why their legacies and reputations vary so greatly. The exhibition 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, 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.
Lastly, we would like to extend our gratitude to 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, for writing the introduction to the exhibition catalogue.
Installation Views
