Le réveil

Guillaume de Groot, a Brussels native, created numerous figural groups for public display in Brussels in the latter half of the 19^th century. His allegorical figures can be seen at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, on the Brussels Stock Exchange, and at the Parc du Cinquantenaire. A force in Belgian sculpture during the 19^th century, he also rendered portraits for public figures including Leopold II and Charles Rogier as seen in Place de la Liberté. Groot, who produced works in both stone and bronze, here treats a softer subject. Groot’s composition, which was produced in several sizes, is unique as the sitter gently rests on a ledge and leans to the side while emerging from under her drapery.