: An exhibition of 20 bronze sculptures of animals by Italian-born
artist Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916) will be on view at James
Graham & Son through November 12.
This presentation will feature a selection of works from the
Bugatti show that originated at London's Sladmore Gallery in
June. An illustrated color catalog will be available, as well as
a recently published monograph by Edward Horswell.
The son of furniture designer Carlo Bugatti and the younger
brother of car designer Ettore Bugatti, Rembrandt Bugatti
distinguished himself as one of the finest sculptors of the early
Twentieth Century. Although his career was brief - he committed
suicide at age 31 - he produced some 300 sculptures to commercial
and critical success.
The gallery will feature many of his most accomplished bronzes,
including "Walking Panther" of 1904, an example of Bugatti's
early impressionist handling, and the more stylized "Hamadryas
Baboon" from 1910.
Bugatti was born in Milan in 1884, and he worked in Paris and
Antwerp. His early talents were nurtured in the creative
environment of his family (the young artist was particularly
inspired by the work of his uncle, the painter Giovanni
Segantini) and he was encouraged by such family friends as
Russian sculptor Paul Troubetzkoy.
Bugatti began exhibiting his works in the early 1900s, joining
the major Paris gallery and foundry of A.A. Hebrard. In 1911, at
age 27, he was elected Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
Despite enjoying periods of success, which included praise from
poet and critic Guillaume Apollinaire and the elder sculptor
Auguste Rodin, Bugatti, who struggled with lifelong depression,
suffered emotional and financial hardships exacerbated by the
First World War. He ended his life by gas poisoning in Paris in
1916.
James Graham & Sons is at 1014 Madison Avenue near 78th
Street. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and
Saturday, 10 am to 5:30 pm. For information, 212-535-5767.
