«LA BECQUÉE» MATHURIN MOREAU

A beautiful example of French culture has a special place next to the paintings of the Dutch school, and the works of Armenian artists decorating Toumanian's living room. In one of the corners of the living room, on a high pedestal, we can see the work of French sculptor Mathurin Moreau "LA BECQUÉE" ("Bird feeding").

The sculpture Mathurin Moreau worked in the traditional academic style of the 19th century. He was from a clan of famous sculptors in France. His father, Jean-Baptiste Moreau (1797-1855), was a sculptor-craftsman in Dijon, France, who, determined the destinies of his three sons, inspired by medieval French miniature sculpture, Mathurin Moreau (1822-1912), Hippolyte François Moreau (1832-1927) and Auguste Moreau (1834-1917), sending them to study in Paris. Later, the "L&F Moreau" workshop was created by the sons of Auguste Moreau, Louis-Auguste and Hippolyte François. By that time, Moreau's grandchildren were already learning family skills.

The Moreau brothers studied at the French Academy of Fine Arts from such renowned masters as C. Ramen, A. Dumont, A. Milen and  P. Thomas. From the 1860s, each of the brothers' work was exhibited at the best exhibitions in Paris and Europe, glorifying the Moreau family and making them famous even during their lifetime.

The three brothers left a noticeable mark on the development of French sculpture and  "Art Nouveau" style. The main emphasis of their works was on interior sculpture. Auguste most often worked with stone, and Hippolyte and Mathurin became famous in the field of bronze casting. Mathurin became the author of numerous statues and monuments ordered by the government, a regular participant in exhibitions at the Paris Salon (since 1848), receiving high awards for his works, in particular the title of Officer of the Legion of Honor, and in 1897 the Medal of Honor of the Paris Salon (French Academy of Arts). He was elected as the mayor of the 19th district of Paris and served until his death, February 14, 1912.

The works of Mathurin Moreau are in the collections of the museum of  Kenn, Dijon and Reims and  in the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris.

Article by Anahit Nalbandyan 

 Translated by Anahit Sringyan