Assia in Antwerp, Belgium

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Charles Despiau was a renowned French sculptor born on November 4, 1874. He hailed from Mont-de-Marsan in the Landes region and received his artistic training at the prestigious École des Arts Décoratifs and later at the esteemed École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Despiau's artistic journey began with exhibiting his work at the Salon des Artistes Français from 1898 to 1900, followed by a successful stint at the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts from 1901 to 1921, and finally at the esteemed Salon des Tuileries from 1923 to 1944. In 1907, the legendary Rodin took notice of Despiau's talent and hired him as his assistant. During this period, Despiau worked closely with Rodin while also pursuing his own sculptural endeavors until 1914, when he was drafted into World War I to serve in a camouflage unit. Following the war, Despiau returned to sculpture and solidified his reputation with a highly acclaimed solo exhibition at the Brummer Gallery in New York in late 1927. Despiau's artistic approach was characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to realizing his vision. He produced relatively few sculptures, but each one showcased exceptional skill and craftsmanship. Several of his plaster statues feature variations of the same model, demonstrating his commitment to refining his art form. Today, Despiau's works can be found in over 130 museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His bronze masterpiece, Assia, is widely regarded as one of his most iconic pieces and is housed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The largest collection of his work can be seen in his hometown of Mont-de-Marsan, where a museum dedicated to his art shares space with that of fellow sculptor Robert Wlérick. Throughout his illustrious fifty-year career, Despiau created an impressive 150 sculptures and over 1,000 drawings. His contributions to the world of sculpture are a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft.