Albéric Collin

Belgian sculptor Albéric Collin devoted his artistic career to sculpting animals in the Antwerp Zoological Gardens. A native of Antwerpen, Belgium, Collin studied art at the Antwerp Academy, and lived and worked very reclusively. At the age of 21, he met Italian sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti, who was already established as an important animal sculptor. The two men routinely worked together at the Antwerp Zoo, and Bugatti taught Collin the importance of working from close observation of live animal models.

Like his mentor, Collin chose to depict animals alone or in small groups, focusing on their day-to-day activities. His work also concentrated on the overall form and movement of the animal, rather than attempting to recreate a detailed anatomical model. From 1922-27 he was a member of the Salon des Artistes Français. He also created the monumental elephant bridge of the 1930 World’s Fair in Antwerpen. Collins figures were made of bronze in the lost wax technique. He also painted pastels. His 1920 submitted work La Force/De Kracht (The strength) has not be identified thus far.