Lucien Alliot
Paris, France
(1877 – 1967)
Lucien Alliot was a French sculptor and president of the Salon de la Société des Artistes Français. His style evolved from Art Nouveau to religious themes. He gained international recognition for his participation in the art competition of the 1924 Olympic Games—an unusual achievement for a sculptor.
Lucien Charles Édouard Alliot was born on November 17, 1877, in Paris, France, into a family deeply connected to the arts. His father, Napoléon Alliot, was a renowned sculptor, which influenced his early interest in the craft. From a young age, Lucien followed in his father’s footsteps, receiving a solid education at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the guidance of masters Louis-Ernest Barrias and Jules-Félix Coutan, prominent figures in the art world at the time.
His formal training allowed him to develop a distinctive style, initially aligned with the Art Nouveau movement, characterized by elegant and graceful sculptures, such as dancing female figures and allegories. Over time, his work shifted toward religious compositions, marked by profound spirituality, and he collaborated with Maison Raffl for the boutiques on Rue Saint-Sulpice in Paris.
His first group exhibition was at the Salon de la Société des Artistes Français in 1905, a significant event in the Parisian art scene. Alliot continued to exhibit regularly at this salon until 1939, and in 1934, he was appointed president of the society, a position he held until 1939.
Among his most notable works are La Lanceuse de boule, a bronze figure depicting a woman throwing a ball, and L’Arrivée (also known as The Winner), which captures the dynamism of triumph. Additionally, he is known for his religious sculptures, such as the first statue of Saint Thérèse from 1909, the group of M. Martin and Thérèse in the Jardin des Buissonnets, and the statue of Thérèse in prayer, displayed in the chapel courtyard.
Throughout his career, Alliot received several accolades. In 1907, he won a third-class medal and a travel grant at the Salon, and in 1920, he was awarded the Gold Medal at the Salon de la Société des Artistes Français, reflecting his prestige in the art world.
Alliot’s most significant exhibitions took place at the Salon de la Société des Artistes Français in Paris, where he exhibited for over three decades, from 1905 to 1939. Another notable achievement was his participation in the art competition of the 1924 Summer Olympics in the sculpture category.
Alliot’s works are held in numerous museum collections worldwide, according to sources such as Galerie Origines and Gallerease. He also collaborated with Maison Raffl, suggesting that some of his pieces may be found in religious settings, such as churches or chapels.
Lucien Alliot passed away on March 9, 1967, in Nanteuil-lès-Meaux, Seine-et-Marne, France. His artistic legacy remains relevant to art enthusiasts and scholars alike.
