Georges Laëthier (French, 1875-1955), Portrait of the Artist Just Becquet (1829-1907)

Early 20th century, life-size terracotta and plasterwork bust, applied warm brown patina, signed "LAETHIER" along the figure's lower left.

Bust 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 in.

This portrait bust by Georges Laethier is closely related to his waist-length marble portrait of his teacher at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Besançon, Just Becquet (1908) as well as his portrait of Becquet wearing a calot (a type of cap). Vigorously modeled, the bust may have served as a preliminary study for one or both sculptures. In 1908, a year after the master's death, the marble bust was presented in the Salon des Artistes Français in Paris and earned Laethier a Medal of Honor.

Laethier was introduced to both drawing and painting by his brother Edmond (1858–1889), an artist who had studied with Antonin Fanart (183 –1903) and Emile Isenbart (1846–1921). By the age of 17, Laethier was awarded first prize in drawing at the Lycée Victor Hugo; however, he had already dedicated himself to the art of sculpture. Encouraged by his mother, Laethier pursued his studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts at Besançon under Becquet - himself having studied under François Rude (1784–1855) - thus largely avoiding the contemporary tendency towards the French academic style. In 1899 he was enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and learning the art of sculpture first from Gabriel-Jules Thomas (1824–1905) and Jean-Antoine Injalbert (1845–1933).

Laethier debuted at the Salon des Artistes Française of 1901. In 1903, he received a Gold Medal from the Salon for his marble Vieillard a la source, now in the Musee des Beaux-Arts at Besançon. In the same year, Laethier was named professor of sculpture at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Besançon where he remained until 1943.

Good condition; center is mounted with antique metal rod, unknown if the plasterwork is later or period to the piece.