Cartellier. A name whispered among the grand halls of French art history. Pierre Cartellier, a sculptor whose life and work intertwined with the tumultuous era of revolution and empire. Right here, in Père Lachaise Cemetery, rests this artist who rose from humble beginnings to become a member of the prestigious Institut de France. Pierre Cartellier’s journey began in the heart of Paris, born to parents of modest means in 1757. He honed his skills at the École Gratuite de Dessin and later in the studio of Charles-Antoine Bridan. While he never won the coveted Prix de Rome, Cartellier’s talent found its own path. He crafted decorative motifs for bronze founders and even assisted Joseph Deschamps on sculptures for Marie Antoinette at the palaces of Trianon and Saint-Cloud. Imagine the young Cartellier amidst the opulence of pre-revolutionary France, shaping his artistic vision.
As the revolution swept through France, Cartellier played a role in transforming the Church of Ste Geneviève into the Panthéon, a mausoleum for national heroes. He contributed a relief representing Force and Prudence. Sadly, this piece was later destroyed. Cartellier’s work captured the spirit of Neoclassicism. His statue of Modesty, inspired by the Capitoline Venus, earned him critical acclaim. This elegant work exemplified his delicate execution and graceful compositions. He also created busts of notable figures like Louis Bonaparte and Napoleon Bonaparte. His monumental works graced the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the colonnade of the Louvre. Pierre Cartellier’s legacy extended beyond his own creations. He also shared his expertise as a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, shaping the next generation of French sculptors. Among his pupils were François Rude, known for his dynamic Departure of the Volunteers on the Arc de Triomphe, and Jean-Baptiste Vietty.
Cartellier’s life was touched by both triumph and tragedy. He achieved artistic recognition, becoming a Chevalier of the Order of Saint Michael and a member of the Legion of Honor. Yet, he also experienced the pain of losing his daughter Alexandrine-Françoise-Charlotte at a young age. She rests beside him here in Père Lachaise. This very tomb, designed by Cartellier’s son-in-law, Louis Petitot, stands as a final testament to his artistry. A marble statuette, La Gloire, graces the monument, a fitting symbol for an artist who left an indelible mark on French sculpture. Pierre Cartellier’s name, etched in stone, ensures his enduring presence in the annals of art history.