Lost in thought, Sesostris Vitullo wondered how to bring the heart of the South American cowboy to Paris. This is the Cœur de Gaucho Sculpture. It stands as a testament to Argentinian heritage. The sculpture resides in the open-air sculpture museum. It is in the Jardin Tino Rossi. The garden lies along the Quai Saint-Bernard. This is in Paris’s 5th Arrondissement.
Sesostris Vitullo created Cœur de Gaucho in 1952. Sadly, it was just before his death. Vitullo was born in Buenos Aires in 1899. He died in Paris in 1953. The Cœur de Gaucho sculpture translates to Heart of Gaucho.
Vitullo’s journey began in Buenos Aires. He studied at the School of Fine Arts. He also worked as a model for other artists. In 1925, he arrived in Paris. There, he worked for Auguste Rodin and Antoine Bourdelle. He learned sculpting techniques. Yet, he never forgot his Argentinian roots.
Cœur de Gaucho is an abstract sculpture. It is made of gray granite. The sculpture rests on a base. The base displays the artwork’s name and the artist. It also shows the creation date and material.
Vitullo practiced direct carving. He used wood, granite, stone, and marble. His works often referenced South American culture. He created a monument to Martín Fierro. Fierro was a gaucho. He was also a hero of José Hernández’s poem. Vitullo also referenced pre-Columbian art. He made sculptures like totems and hybrid creatures.
The open-air museum displays sculptures. These works come from the second half of the 20th century. The Cœur de Gaucho is very close to the River Seine’s water edge. The Cœur de Gaucho stands as a tribute. It honors Vitullo’s Argentinian roots. It also celebrates his artistic journey in Paris.
Take a moment. Reflect on the journey of Sesostris Vitullo. He brought the heart of the gaucho to Paris. His legacy remains etched in the gray granite. It stands here in the Jardin Tino Rossi. The Cœur de Gaucho is a symbol of cultural fusion. It is a testament to artistic dedication.