Joseph Maria Thomas (Jef) Lambeaux

This elegant and sensuously carved marble is made by the celebrated Belgian sculptor of the second half of the 19th century, Jef Lambeaux, who trained under Josef Geefs at the Art Academy in Antwerp. Lambeaux exhibited regularly and received numerous important commissions that determine the sculptural landscape of Antwerp to this day. His bronze Brabo (1887), placed centrally on the Grote Markt in Antwerp is perhaps his most iconic work. Numerous museums house works from Lambeaux's oeuvre, including the Musée d'art moderne in Liege and the K.M.K.G. in Brussels.

Lambeaux produced an expansive oeuvre of circa 150 sculptures, demonstrating his originality and excellent craftmanship. He carved several monumental marble groups which are admired for their complexity and ingenuity, as well as erotic subjects, which pushed the boundaries of what was ethically and aesthetically acceptable. His Temple of Human Passions, for instance, exhibited at the Salon Triennial in Ghent in 1889 caused huge uproar among the art critics. Lambeaux aimed to convey movement in his work, characterised by energetic poses, including in the present marble where Venus stretches out her proper right arm, pointing down with her index finger. Venus stands upright, looking down at Cupid. The fluidity of movement, fine drapery, and the sense of tenderness are particularly noteworthy in this group.

RELATED LITERATURE

M. Marx and C. Engelen, Beeldhouwkunst in Belgie vanaf 1830, deel II, Brussel, 2002, pp. 1034-1035