Henri Michel Chapu
The French sculptor and medalist made his debut being 22-year-old at a major exhibition of the Paris Salon in 1855. The art of Chapu (1833-1891) was very convincing and one of his works was awarded with the "Prix de Rome" by the Art Academy of Rome. This also included a multi-year scholarship for study in the Italian capital.
He was inspired by themes from ancient mythology and which he tried to link with the typical naturalistic style of the time. In this way his characters are idealistically elevated which can be seen in the famous "Statue of the cantata" that decorates the main entrance of the Opéra de Paris. Empathetic works by Chapus were popular. He received many orders to decorate public places. Among other, he created the statue of the jurist Pierre-Antoine Berryer for the Paris Palace of Justice.
