José Clarà (1878-1958) - Lot 196

José Clarà (1878-1958) Children at play Model created in 1914 Bronze with brown patina Signed "JOSÉ CLARÁ" on the side of the terrace Numbered "I/VIII Bears the founder's stamp "CIRE PERDUE A. VALSUANI H. 46 cm, terrace W. 23.2 x D. 23.9 cm Provenance: Certificate of authenticity n°819 from Madame Josette Clara Lefebvre (museo Clara in Barcelona) Related works : -José Clarà, Étude pour Les Enfants jouant, 1914, plaster, dim. 18 x 10 x 9 cm, Barcelona, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, inv. 99804 ; -José Clarà, Enfants jouant, 1914, patinated plaster, signed "J. CLARA", dim. 52 x 25 x 24 cm, Barcelona, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, inv.90580 ; -José Clarà, Enfants jouant, 1914, bronze, signed "JOSE CLARA", inscribed "FVNDICION / BECHINI", dim. 43.5 x 23.5 x 25 cm, Barcelona, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, inv. 90112 ; -José Clarà, Enfants jouant, 1955, plaster, signed "J. CLARA", size 103 x 57.5 x 59 cm, Barcelona, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, inv. 99950; -José Clarà, Enfants jouant, 1955, marble, signed "J. CLARA", size 103 x 57 x 57 cm, Barcelona, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, inv. 90152. Related literature: -Carme Arnau, Eva Franqueron, Clarà: catàleg del fons d'escultura, Barcelona, National Art Museum of Catalonia, 1997, model listed under no. 112, p. 169. Supported by the painter José Berga, José Clara moved to Paris in 1897, where he received academic training in the studios of Ernest Barrias and Jules Coutan. The discovery of Auguste Rodin's work at the Pavillon de l'Alma during the 1900 Universal Exhibition was decisive for the young sculptor. His work in the Meudon master's studio and the influence of his friend Aristide Maillol led him to develop more personal creations. By 1910, José Clarà's already established success enabled him to exhibit abroad, and the 1911 International Fine Arts Exhibition in Barcelona revealed him as a leader of Catalan sculpture in the early 20th century.