Object Description
Charles Raphaël Peyre (1872–1949)
‘Bataille de Fleurs’
France, early 20th century
A large white marble figural group depicting three putti engaged in a playful battle over flowers, carved with considerable animation and fluency. Signed C. R. B. Peyre, the composition is notable for its lively interaction, finely modelled flesh, and strong sense of movement, characteristic of Peyre’s mature sculptural style.
The group is set on its original variegated pink marble oval base, providing a striking chromatic contrast to the white marble figures.
Literature:
Illustrated in Powderham Castle II, Mark Girouard, Country Life, July 11th 1963, Vol. CXXXIV, p. 81, illustrated on the Great Staircase.
Charles Raphaël Peyre trained under Alexandre Falguière and Antonin Mercié, and exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, becoming a member in 1900. His work was widely admired for its combination of academic refinement and decorative appeal, and he enjoyed considerable success in both private and public commissions during the early 20th century.