Vũ Cao Đàm (1908-2000) Lot n° 24

Poule Bronze with brown-green patina, signed and numbered 3/10 on the basis 3/10 sur le socle 23,2 x 20.5 x 12 cm - 9 1/8 x 8 x 4 3/4 in. The two hens and the second of the girls' heads are made of bronze. This ancestral technique began to be used as early as the 3rd millennium. An alloy of copper and tin, bronze is the most widely used metal in sculpture because it allows the creative gesture great freedom as well as a play of light on the volumes. In order to realize the shaping, several techniques are used of which the most widespread, the cast iron. This process which can be in particular of cast iron with lost wax or cast iron with sand can be carried out directly by the artist but also by a founder. For this he approaches Valsuani, a historical French foundry of the 20th century A talented and meticulous artist, Vũ Cao Đàm captures his chickens in motion. With their legs subtly spread, firmly planted in their bases, one leans forward while the other is turned three-quarters. The dark and smooth surface emphasizes the effects of light on the patinas. Symbolizing motherhood, the hens are mothers incubating and protecting their eggs. The roundness of the lines and shapes underline this maternal softness.