Statue of Pénélope de Bourdelle

A stroll through the streets of Montauban offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the work of Antoine Bourdelle, outside the walls of any museum. This local sculptor began his artistic journey early, carving wood alongside his father at just 13. With a natural gift for drawing and a hunger for something more, he went on to study at the Beaux-Arts in Toulouse, where he turned to sculpture. Over time, he refined his craft and eventually worked under some of the most influential artists of his era, including Auguste Rodin, whose assistant he remained for 15 years. When Bourdelle passed away in 1929, he left behind a remarkable legacy of over 500 works. One of them is right here before you: Penelope. Like many of his creations, this sculpture is rooted in Greek mythology. It depicts Penelope, Queen of Ithaca, waiting for the return of her long-lost husband, Odysseus. Still, poised, and contemplative, she carries a sense of strength and sorrow. But this is more than a myth brought to life; Bourdelle infused the piece with his own story, shaping Penelope’s face in the likeness of his first wife and tracing her body from the form of his second. It’s a deeply personal blend of legend and memory, cast in bronze. And if this sculpture has moved you, you’re in luck – there are nine more of Bourdelle’s works scattered across Montauban, each waiting to tell you a little more about the artist and the city that shaped him. Happy exploring!