A master of elegant gesture and ideal form.

Mathurin Moreau was a celebrated French sculptor, renowned for his graceful representations of female figures and his contribution to the decorative arts of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Dijon in 1822, he was the eldest son of the noted painter and sculptor Jean-Baptiste Moreau. Raised in an artistic family, he was part of a distinguished sculptural dynasty that included his brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau.

After receiving his initial training under his father’s guidance, Mathurin pursued formal studies at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he was taught by eminent professors such as Jules Ramey and Auguste Dumont. His talent emerged early: in 1842, he was awarded the second Prix de Rome, a major accomplishment that launched his professional career.

Over the course of his life, Moreau received numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle and the Hors Concours distinction at the 1900 Exposition Universelle. His sculptures, which blended classical tradition with contemporary aesthetic tastes, garnered both public admiration and critical acclaim. Characterized by fluid lines, idealized forms, and lyrical elegance, his style made him one of the foremost decorative sculptors of his era.

Moreau’s works grace many public spaces and museums, including the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. In addition to his artistic achievements, he was elected mayor of the 19th arrondissement of Paris in the latter part of his life, demonstrating his commitment to civic life.

Although he is best known for his bronze editions, Mathurin Moreau also produced exceptional marble sculptures, including rare examples in white Carrara marble. Today, his works—whether in bronze or marble—are highly prized for their refinement, technical mastery, and enduring charm.

Literature :

• BENEZIT, E. Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs. Paris: Librairie Gründ, 1961.Vol.6. p. 213.

• LAMI, S.(1916).Dictionnaire des sculpteurs de l’école française au dix-neuvième siècle.Paris: Librairie Ancienne Honoré Champion Edouard Champion, tome 3, p. 478 – 484.