Michel Anguier Paintings

Michel Anguier was a prominent French sculptor born in 1612 in Eu, Normandy, France. He was one of the most noteworthy sculptors of the 17th century, recognized for his classical style and contribution to the Baroque movement in France. Michel came from an artistic family, with his brother François Anguier also being a well-known sculptor. The brothers' careers were intertwined, and they collaborated on various projects.

Michel Anguier received his early training in sculpture in his native country before moving to Rome, Italy, which was the center of the artistic world at the time. In Rome, he studied under the guidance of the influential sculptor, Francesco Mochi, and was exposed to the opulent works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the classical antiquities that filled the city. This exposure to Roman art and architecture had a lasting impact on Anguier's style.

During his time in Rome, Anguier honed his skills and absorbed the dynamic expressions of Baroque art, blending them with the harmonious forms of Renaissance art. His work was characterized by a combination of dynamic movement and clarity of form. Upon his return to France, Anguier was commissioned to work on various public and private projects. One of his significant works includes the Mausoleum of Henri II de Montmorency in the church of Moulins, which he collaborated on with his brother François.

Anguier's work was part of the broader context of the French Baroque movement, which was marked by dramatic expression, grandeur, and tension between the real and the ideal. He became a prominent figure in the art scene of Paris and was involved in the decoration of the Louvre under King Louis XIV. Among his notable works is the Neptune sculpture for the Fountain of the Four Seasons in Paris.

Throughout his career, Michel Anguier demonstrated a mastery of marble and bronze, achieving a reputation for his elegant and expressive figures. His works reflected both the grandiosity of the era and a personal interpretation of classical themes. He died in 1686 in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that would influence French sculpture and contribute to the rich tapestry of the Baroque period.