1886-1953
Louis-Maximilien Fiot, known as Maximilien Fiot, was a distinguished French sculptor specializing in animal subjects. Born in 1886, he trained under the renowned sculptor Prosper Lecourtier, who was himself known for his animal sculptures. Fiot quickly developed a distinct style characterized by a keen observation of movement and a modern, dynamic approach that set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Fiot began exhibiting at the prestigious Salon de Paris from 1910 to 1914. His early success was marked by critical recognition, earning a third-class medal in 1911 and a second-class medal in 1913 at the Salon des Artistes Français, of which he was a member. His works were well-received for their striking realism, fluidity, and sense of vitality, contrasting with the more rigid and decorative tendencies of the Art Deco style prevalent at the time.
Primarily an animalier sculptor, Fiot’s repertoire included a vast array of subjects such as birds, dogs, cats, wolves, deer, lions, and panthers. His ability to capture the natural movement and essence of his subjects made his sculptures highly sought after, particularly his bronze pieces, which demonstrated an impressive attention to detail and lifelike energy.
Beyond his animal sculptures, Fiot also contributed to commemorative monuments during the interwar period, much like many of his contemporaries. One of his most significant public works is the “Lion Watching Over the Children Who Died for the Fatherland” (Le Lion veillant sur les enfants morts pour la Patrie), created in 1930 for the town of La Ferté-Alais, where his mother resided. This powerful monument stands as a tribute to the fallen, reflecting both his skill in sculpting animals and his ability to convey deep emotion through his art.
Maximilien Fiot’s work remains highly regarded among collectors and art historians for its expressive quality and innovative approach to animal sculpture. His legacy endures through the continued appreciation of his sculptures, which capture the grace, strength, and motion of the natural world with remarkable authenticity.
