Séraphin Nikolaevich Soudbinine, 1870-1944

The Russian opera singer Feodor Ivanovich Chaliapin (1873-1938) was the world's most famous bass in the first half of 20th century.  Due to his powerful and flexible voice, together with his mesmerising stage presence and his superlative acting ability, he is to this day considered one of the greatest performers in the history of opera. He began his career in the Imperial Opera Houses in Russia and from 1901 performed in Milan, New York, London and Paris.

Soudbinine sculpted some of his finest work whilst in Paris, including this model of Chaliapin.  He studied under August Rodin from 1906 and some of his better known pieces include sculptures of Maxim Gorky, and Anna Pavlova. His work can be found in museums throughout Europe: The Russian Museum, the Tretyakov, A.M. Gorky, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris and the Museum of Ceramics in Sevres.  Herbrard Foundry cast some of the most important artists of the day including Degas, Bugatti and Troubetskoy.