AIMÉ-JULES DALOU – A YOUNG MOTHER FROM BOULOGNE FEEDING HER CHILD
Ireland’s loss is Canada’s gain as a masterpiece of French 19th century sculpture at Westpost House in Co. Mayo for over a century goes on display at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottowa. The terracotta by Aimé-Jules Dalou – Boulonnaise allaitant son enfant (A Young Mother from Boulogne feeding her Child) – had been acquired directly from the artist in 1876 by George John Browne, 3rd Marquess of Sligo. It was sold reluctantly at Sotheby’s in May of this year by the 11th Marquess who plans to use the proceeds for Westport House. It made £362,500.
In Ottowa the sculpture enhances the collection of 19th century French art and sits alongside six newly acquired works by illustrator Gustave Doré in the European Galleries.
See posts on antiquesandartireland.com for May 22 and May 2, 2014.