The painting studio is furnished with imposing, highly ornate, gilded wooden liturgical pieces, probably Iberian. Bourdelle acquired it in the Montauban region in 1897. He wrote to Rodin, “I have brought some beautiful old antiques back from the south of France. […] One thing that will interest you is a tabernacle made entirely of old gilded wood. I believe it to be from the late Louis XIV period.”
In the Catholic liturgy, a tabernacle is a small lockable cabinet. where consecrated hosts are kept. Bourdelle acquired it for decorative purposes. A chalice is carved on the door of the cabinet, and the two side panels depict an angel and the Virgin Mary, forming the Annunciation. On top, there is a carving of rays of divine light, symbolising the presence of God, with faces of cherubs all around. The two twisted columns were a later addition. The tabernacle was originally decorated with two large carved wooden branches forming an accolade (MBPH0008).
In his early years, the artist often used this piece as a prop to pose with in photographs of himself (MBPV297 and MBPV3990) or of close friends, such as Marie Laprade (MBPH2135), and Stéphanie and Pierre (MBPV3435). It can also be seen in shots of the sculptor in the studio, working on the Tarn-et-Garonne War Memorial (MBPH0200) and creating the bust of Jules Tellier (MBPH0149).
Valérie Montalbetti Kervella
don't miss any news from the Bourdelle Museum.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter