Who painted Sirene (Hippocampe)?

Sirene (Hippocampe) was painted by Pierre Roche in 1896.

Where can I see Sirene (Hippocampe)?

Sirene (Hippocampe) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Sirene (Hippocampe)?

Sirene (Hippocampe) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Sirene (Hippocampe)?

Museum-quality prints of Sirene (Hippocampe) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Sirene (Hippocampe)

Pierre Roche , 1896

Sirene (Hippocampe) is a print by the Impressionist artist Pierre Roche. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Sirene (Hippocampe) is a 1896 gypsograph print by French artist Pierre Roche, featuring a mermaid-like figure atop a seahorse, characterized by its textured, relief-style execution.

Subject & Meaning

The piece depicts a dynamic, mermaid-like figure (labeled 'LA SIRENE') with a fish tail and human upper body, posed in energetic, twisted motion atop a seahorse, evoking mythological and aquatic themes.

Technique & Style

Created using the gypsograph technique, the work exhibits a distinctive relief quality, with visible textures and rough edges, though its attribution to Impressionism may be misleading given the medium and style described.

History & Provenance

Pierre Roche, initially trained in medicine and chemistry, later studied art at Académie Julian and with Jules Dalou for sculpture, producing various works including fountains; specific provenance details for Sirene (Hippocampe) are not provided.

Context

While the piece's dynamic pose and emphasis on movement align with broader late 19th-century artistic interests, its gypsograph technique and relief style set it apart from contemporaneous Impressionist paintings, which focused on light and color in flat, two-dimensional compositions.

Legacy

The legacy of Sirene (Hippocampe) specifically is not detailed, but as part of Roche's diverse output, it reflects his exploration across mediums and themes, contributing to the broader artistic experimentation of his time.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Pierre Roche

Pierre Roche (Paris, 2 August 1855 – Paris, 18 January 1922), pseudonym of Pierre Henry Ferdinand Massignon, was a French sculptor, painter, ceramist and medallist.