Aime-Jules Dalou (b. Paris 1838; d. Paris 1902)

Eugenie Maria Wynne (b. about 1827)

Terracotta; signed and dated 1875

This bust was described by Dalou's biographer, Maurice Dreyfous, in 1903 as "one of the most beautiful works of our time". It is one of the most important works executed by Dalou during his exile in London from 1871-80, a period in which he influenced a whole generation of young English sculptors. It was exhibited in London at the Society of French Artists in November 1875.

Eugenie Maria was married to Robert Wynne of Garthewin, Denbighshire. She was the daughter of journalist Eyre Evens Crowe, and the sister of the artist Eyre Crowe, who trained under Paul Delaroche. In 1867 Eyre Crowe was appointed one of the thirteen Art Referees at the South Kensington Museum, later to become the V&A.
V&A