“Born and died in Tarbes, Firmin Michelet was an important figure in sculpture at the beginning of the 20th century and one of the major players in the founding of the Maison du Maréchal Foch since he was the marshal’s official sculptor,” explains Fabien Leclerc, director of the Tarbes museums.
“Thanks to him, the Foch family donated part of their collection to the city. The idea of dedicating an exhibition to him came from Solenne Manueco, our librarian. Through this exhibition, she wanted to pay tribute to this great artistic figure of the department, always faithful to his native Bigorre. »
This exhibition highlights part of the artistic production of this artist passionate about drawing and sculpture, trained at the School of Fine Arts and Industrial Sciences in Toulouse, and with the artist Alexandre Falguière in Paris. For this exhibition, the birthplace of Marshal Foch has chosen to present a panel of his work. From busts to medals, including its war memorials and monumental sculpture, the birthplace of Marshal Foch highlights perfectionism, the finesse of his works aimed at emotion.
In the sculpture of a Don Juan, Firmin Michelet wanted to represent youth and its carefreeness rather than the literary character.
He who, all his life, served his art and his Bigorre. Today, it is Bigorre that pays tribute to him.
Related News :