Lost Brancusi sculpture to premiere in Bucharest with authentication guaranteed

A long-lost masterpiece by the Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi has been rediscovered and is set to make its debut in Romania. The sculpture, titled “Bust of a Restaurant Patron (Portrait of Achille Baldé),” crafted between 1905-1906, has resurfaced after being considered lost or destroyed for decades.

Art enthusiasts and historians alike eagerly anticipate the unveiling of this remarkable piece, which has been shrouded in mystery until its recent acquisition at an international auction in Paris by a Romanian collector.

The exclusive exhibition, hosted by the Artmark Galleries, will offer a rare opportunity for the public to witness the sculpture firsthand. Scheduled to take place at the historic Cesianu-Racoviță Palace, the event promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Renowned Parisian art historian Doina Lemny, a leading expert on Brancusi’s work, will be present at the unveiling to provide invaluable insights into the significance and provenance of the sculpture. Lemny’s expertise and passion for the artist’s legacy add a layer of depth to the event, offering attendees a deeper understanding of Brâncuși’s artistic vision.

The unveiling ceremony on February 17 marks the beginning of the “Brancusi Exclusive” exhibition, a celebration of one of Romania’s most iconic artistic figures. Open to the public until February 25, the exhibition invites visitors to explore Brancusi’s groundbreaking contributions to modern art and his enduring impact on the global art scene.

Brancusi

The story behind the sculpture

“Bust of a Restaurant Patron (Portrait of Achille Baldé)” is one of the last works created by the sculptor in an impressionistic style, under the influence of his then-master Auguste Rodin, before beginning to carve directly into stone in 1907. This bust also appears in photographs from Constantin Brâncuși’s studio at 16 Piața Dauphine in Paris.

The sculpture depicts a portrait of a man, adorned with an impressive French-style mustache, and was long known under the name “Portrait of M.G.,” due to confusion. It is, in fact, the portrait of Achille Baldé, a waiter in the café where Brancusi worked as a dishwasher in his first year in Paris. The work is reproduced in the most important Brancusi catalogs, based on a photograph kept at the Pompidou Center, and it is a “link” connecting Romanian works from before the Parisian period to what will follow from 1907-1908 onwards, namely “The Prayer” and “The Wisdom of the Earth,” works that pave the way for his famous modernist-abstract masterpieces.

Brancusi Day

Dedicated to the renowned Romanian sculptor, Brancusi Day is celebrated annually on February 19, marking Constantin Brâncuși’s birth anniversary. A key figure in 20th-century art, Brâncuși significantly influenced modern sculpture, transforming traditional concepts. Various events honoring Brâncuși are held across Romania and Europe, showcasing his legacy through exhibitions, workshops, and lectures. These events highlight Brâncuși’s profound impact on the international artistic community, emphasizing his connections with other artists and his enduring influence.