'Watching Something': Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Three Children Laughing and Sitting on a Bench by Spanish Artist Juan Clara

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'Watching Something': patinated bronze sculpture of three children laughing and sitting on a bench by spanish artist Juan Clara

By: … Read more 'Watching Something': patinated bronze sculpture of three children laughing and sitting on a bench by spanish artist Juan Clara

By: Juan Clara
Material: bronze, copper, metal
Technique: cast, patinated, carved, pressed, metalwork
Dimensions: 12 in x 5.5 in x 8 in
Date: late 19th century, early 20th century
Style: Romanticism, Naturalism, Realism, Belle Époque
Place of origin: Spain

This late 19th century bronze sculpture depicts three laughing children seated together on a bench. Titled 'Watching Something', it was created by spanish artist Juan Clara using the casting technique with a patinated finish and carved details. Clara, born in 1875 in Olot, Spain, was known for his sculpted depictions of children. This work exemplifies the realist style popular in Europe at the time, capturing a spontaneous moment in the children's interaction. The figures are sculpted naturalistically with attention to movement and expression. Clara's signature can be found on the base. Several marks can be found on the piece, including one indicating that it was once offered for sale by an art house in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and another inscribed “ALE 86/140”, signifying its status as a limited edition—specifically, number 86 in a series of 140 reproductions.

The Romantic-era interest in emotion and nature is evident in the joyful subject. This sculpture provides insight into the bronze casting arts in late 19th century Spain as well as the wider european artistic shift towards Realism and Naturalism, which sought to accurately represent contemporary life and people. See less