Arising out of the classical artistic movements such as expressionism, surrealism and abstraction, the animists were attracted by classical art language. Their art is marked by simplicity and a very natural approach to life. Georges Grard, whose sculptures recall Renoir and more especially Maillol, was entirely devoted to that uncomplicated view of art. With this sculpture Printemps which is one of his most famous creations, the artist celebrates the natural beauty of a young woman and leads the spectator to contemplation. The same subject was treated in two versions, one was realised in 1946 and the second one in 1947.

See colour illustration