THE YOUTH & THE LOVE

Historical and aristic context

This superb marble sculpture by French artist Lucienne Heuvelmans, titled Youth and Love (La Jeunesse et l’Amour), is a pivotal work in her career—directly connected to her acclaimed project Les Illusions et le Regret. With youthful affection at its core, the composition exemplifies Heuvelmans’ poetic vision in stone.

Signed and inscribed “Grand Prix de Rome Original in marble”, the work bears both artistic and historical significance. As the first woman to win the Prix de Rome for sculpture, Heuvelmans blazed a trail for future generations. The piece’s harmonious proportions and graceful modeling place it among museum-quality masterpieces.

The composition balances harmony and emotion. The two figures lean toward each other, their bodies forming an elegant curve. The juxtaposition of their relaxed intimacy and the solidity of marble attests to Heuvelmans’ mastery. The polished surface, idealized anatomy, and serene expressions evoke quiet, dreamlike intimacy.

Attention to detail is exceptional. The drapery falls naturally, conveying lightness; the youthful softness of the forms, the gentle tilt of their heads, and the intertwined arms express trust and tenderness. These subtle choices elevate the sculpture from allegory to universal feeling.

Symbolically, the work reflects early 20th-century artistic ideals. Youth and Love embodies the timeless search for harmony and the modern reinterpretation of classical themes. It celebrates love while showcasing the sculptor’s ability to transform marble into living emotion.

Literature

• BENEZIT, E. Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs. Paris: Librairie Gründ, 1961. Vol.2. p. 675.
• KJELLBERG, P. Les Bronzes du XIXe Siècle, Dictionnaire des sculpteurs. Paris : Les éditions de l’amateur, 1989. p. 226-227.
• THIEME, U. BECKER, F. Allgemeines lexicon der bildenden künstler von der antike bis zur gegenwart. Germany: E.A. Seemann. 1999. Vol. 7/8. p. 569.