Antoine Bourdelle in the studio, beside the large Dying Centaur during the moulding process

This photograph shows Antoine Bourdelle and two of his praticiens moulding the clay model of the Dying Centaur, one of his most famous works. It gives an insight into the life of the studio and the sculpture as a work in progress: small sketches can also be seen on the shelves in the background. The great height of this room, complete with mezzanine, allows the work to be viewed from different angles, especially from above. The studio today remains much as it was when the artist was alive. No doubt, the fact that his coffin was displayed here,  below a large plaster copy of the Centaur, for his vigil in 1929 has helped to preserve the atmosphere of the room. Even today, the display of the artist's collection of moulds, the long wooden table made by Bourdelle’s father and the old turntables lend a holy aura to the place. Open to the public – friends, collectors and photographers – since the outset, this studio-sanctuary still moves visitors, who are introduced to the intimacy of creation.

Stéphanie Cantarutti