Rating and value of works, bronzes and sculptures by Hippolyte Moreau

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Rating and value of works by Hippolyte Moreau      

Hippolyte Moreau produced unique sculptures. Now, prices for his creations can rise considerably under the auctioneer's hammer. His sculptures are particularly prized by buyers from all over the world.

The price at which they are selling on the art market ranges from €30 to €100,000, for the moment, a substantial range but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to the works of Hippolyte Moreau, whose output is very abundant.

In 2013, his marble sculpture Méditation sold for €100,000, originally estimated at €100,000-120,000.

The upside potential for works by Hippolyte Moreau on the auction market is therefore enormous. Animal sculpture, particularly in bronze, has been very successful of late, setting auction records.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Style and technique of the artist Hippolyte Moreau

Hippolyte Moreau is a multi-talented artist who has explored a variety of media, including marble and ceramics, with a marked predilection for bronze.

In addition to his major sculptural works, he also produced a number of drawings, probably preparatory sketches for his animal sculptures, characterized by a minimalist aesthetic and a high degree of realism.

At the same time, he has ventured into animal sculpture, particularly of birds, creating unique decorative pieces that testify to his keen sense of design, combining technique and aesthetics with remarkable precision.

His stylistic vein is reminiscent of artists such as Gaston le Bourgeois, Paul Landowski or even Armand Petersencreating a link between tradition and innovation, even if the latter are more contemporary.

The influence of medieval sculpture and architecture can be felt in his work, but it remains resolutely contemporary, rooted in its time yet transcending it with a sensibility all his own.

Hippolyte Moreau successfully blends classical forms with modern interpretation, capturing the essence of his subjects while pushing back the boundaries of artistic representation.

Hippolyte Moreau's aesthetic is distinguished by a refined minimalism: his sculptures are carefully stripped of all superfluous elements, emphasizing the pure representation of the animal in all its majesty.

Every detail, every curve is carefully thought out, revealing a harmony between subject and material. His bold vision and innovative approach make him an artist ahead of his time.

Hippolyte Moreau's sculptures retain a striking timeliness that continues to fascinate and inspire, establishing themselves as timeless icons of modern sculpture.

Hippolyte Moreau's career

Hippolyte Moreau (1832-1927), of French origin, was born in Paris. He began his apprenticeship at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he studied sculpture and traditional techniques.

In 1855, he won the Prix de Rome, which enabled him to move to the Villa Medici to further his training. It was in his own studio that he perfected his art, creating works that combine classicism and innovation. 

In the 1880s, he became a central figure in French sculpture, exhibiting regularly at the Paris Salon. His works, often inspired by mythology and portraits, are distinguished by their expressiveness and refinement.

In 1889, Moreau won a gold medal at the Universal Exhibition, consolidating his reputation and attracting the attention of an international audience.

By 1892, he was also making a name for himself abroad, taking part in exhibitions at the Chicago International Exposition, where his talent was recognized beyond national borders. In 1900, he was elected a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, underlining the importance of his work in the artistic landscape of his time.

Parallel to his career, Moreau taught at the École des Beaux-Arts, sharing his expertise with a new generation of artists. His passion for sculpture and dedication to art enabled him to make a lasting mark on his era.

Over the decades, Hippolyte Moreau continued to create masterpieces, and even after his death in 1927, his artistic legacy lives on, testifying to the beauty and depth of his creations.

Sculpting shapes in the 19th century with Moreau

At a time when the 19th century was marked by artistic and social upheaval, sculptors found an inexhaustible source of inspiration in history, mythology and nature, seeking to represent their subjects with a new sensibility.

This artistic genre, often governed by conventions, enjoyed a revival thanks to visionary sculptors like Hippolyte Moreau, who succeeded in capturing the essence of the figures with remarkable depth and expressiveness.

During this period, sculpture reinvented itself under the impetus of emblematic figures, among whom Moreau stands out for his ability to combine classicism and innovation.

His technical approach, marked by elegant lines and harmonious volumes, enables him to convey the emotion and character of the subjects he sculpts. His creations, inspired by mythology and historical scenes, become symbols of a distinctive style.

His sculptures, exhibited at the Paris Salon, are admired for their ability to bring figures to life, reflecting both their grandeur and their fragility.

In the 1880s and 1890s, sculpture in France entered a veritable golden age, and Moreau, alongside other artists such as Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clésingerdistinguished himself through his mastery of human expression.

He excels at depicting female figures and action scenes, combining anatomical precision with expressive power. His works evoke deep emotions, establishing a dialogue between the viewer and the sculpture.

The influence of the Symbolist movement is also felt, giving his creations a mystical dimension, where each sculpture tells a story.

Throughout his career, Moreau used a variety of materials, such as plaster and bronze, reinforcing the visual and tactile impact of his works. The forms, though stylized, retain a strong link with reality, testifying to an era in the throes of transformation.

In the 19th century, sculpture evolved to reflect the concerns of a changing society, oscillating between the quest for beauty and the exploration of human emotions.

Each artist, and Hippolyte Moreau in particular, contributed his own vision, enriching this artistic genre with a diversity of approaches that continues to inspire and fascinate.

Focus on Groupe d'enfants, Hippolyte Moreau

Hippolyte Moreau's Group of Children, in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Troyes, is a perfect example of the delicacy and expressiveness that characterize his work.

With remarkable finesse, Moreau captures the carefree energy of childhood, while imbuing his sculpture with a timeless quality.

This marble group is distinguished by the softness of its forms and the precision of its details. The children's faces, imbued with joy and innocence, are sculpted with meticulous attention to detail, revealing Moreau's ability to convey emotion through stone.

Each child, frozen in a natural posture, seems caught up in a moment of play, offering a vibrant scene of life.

Moreau excels in the art of making emotions palpable, and in this work he succeeds in conveying the liveliness of childhood while maintaining a classical elegance.

The fluid lines and harmonious curves of the bodies create a sense of movement, while retaining a certain restraint typical of academic sculpture.

The precision of its execution and the tenderness it exudes bear witness to Moreau's technical mastery, as well as his ability to bring his subjects to life. The Group of Children embodies both joie de vivre and purity, in a composition that combines grace and simplicity.

In this sculpture, Moreau demonstrates his talent for capturing the moment, while allowing the emotional depth of his work to shine through.

Recognizing the signature of Hippolyte Moreau

Hippolyte Moreau doesn't always sign his works. If you think you own one, it's best to have it appraised.

Knowing the value of a work 

If you happen to own a Hippolyte Moreau creation, or you think you might have one, please don't hesitate to request a free estimate using the form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, as well as any relevant information about it.

If you want to sell your property, our specialists will also help you find alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.