Louis Huygens, bronze sculpture ‘LA PRIEUSE’, 19th c

1. Description of the work :

This bronze sculpture, entitled La Prieuse, depicts a young woman at prayer, her hands clasped and her head slightly bowed, in a posture of contemplation. Wearing a simple dress and a kerchief on her head, she embodies modesty and popular piety. At her feet, an empty basket rests on a textured floor. The work rests on a white-veined red marble base, reinforcing the scene's understated elegance. The figure's contemplative attitude, the precision of the drapery and the delicacy of the expression convey great sensitivity.

2. Artistic movement :

La Prieuse is part of the realism movement of the late 19th century. This artistic movement favoured faithful depictions of everyday life and modest people. Huygens' sculpture, with its attention to detail in clothing and simple gestures, aimed to exalt the dignity of the humble. The naturalist style, very present in this work, is evident in the meticulous observation of anatomy and clothing.

3. Artist biography - Huygens :

Louis Huygens (1849-1914) was a Belgian sculptor known for his intimate, emotional subjects. A student at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, he was influenced by the social realism in vogue at the time. Huygens was particularly interested in scenes of rural life and female figures, often conveying moral or spiritual values. His work is characterised by a meticulous use of materials and a great humanity in the representations.