To celebrate the master Anatole France, Bourdelle drew inspiration from the great tradition of Greco-Roman philosophers’ busts. Despite the writer's advanced age, he had no hesitation in having him pose bare-chested, like the effigies of ancient philosophers. But Bourdelle combined this ancient heritage with obvious modernity. He stripped the model, quite literally, of his clothes and all anecdotal detail. The protruding, veiny muscles bring the constructed volumes to life. The geometrisation of the planes obeys a clear desire for synthesis. Despite the fragility of the ageing body, the work stands out as the very image of Wisdom and of the concentration of thought.
Won over by this masterly interpretation of contemplation, Anatole France confessed his admiration for the sculptor, whom he considered “better than Rodin”.
Jérôme Godeau
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