Bust of the Physician Eugène Koeberlé

The French sculptor Emile Bourdelle is best known for his monumental, classically-inspired pieces. In addition, he was the creator of several striking portraits, this bust being one of the most renowned. Dr Koeberlé was a surgeon from Alsace. Before the First World War he worked in Strasbourg, which at that time was in Germany. The artist made the acquaintance of…

The French sculptor Emile Bourdelle is best known for his monumental, classically-inspired pieces. In addition, he was the creator of several striking portraits, this bust being one of the most renowned. Dr Koeberlé was a surgeon from Alsace. Before the First World War he worked in Strasbourg, which at that time was in Germany. The artist made the acquaintance of the elderly doctor in 1914. He portrayed him in a timeless manner, draped like a Greek or Roman patrician.