The Musée d'Orsay is hosting the first major exhibition in France in nearly a century dedicated to Paul Troubetzkoy (1866-1938), a sculptor of princely descent whose dynamic bronze works captured the essence of high society across multiple continents. Running from September 30, 2025, through January 11, 2026, this groundbreaking exhibition reveals the remarkable artistic legacy of a man who moved effortlessly between Milan, Paris, Moscow, Chicago, and Los Angeles, creating prestigious commissioned works for the international elite.
Born to a Russian father and American mother in Italy, where he received his artistic training, Troubetzkoy possessed an innate understanding of the codes and customs of the high society circles he frequented. His aristocratic background opened doors to the most exclusive social circles, allowing him access to prominent figures of his era and securing lucrative commissions that would define his career. The exhibition showcases his extraordinary ability to blend spontaneous creativity with classical academic traditions, resulting in sculptures that are both technically accomplished and emotionally compelling.
The artist's complex personality is reflected throughout his diverse body of work displayed at the museum. Described as both vegetarian and worldly, wild yet sociable, Troubetzkoy captured with passionate intensity the personalities of his time, including his friend Leo Tolstoy, various dancers, Native Americans, and numerous animals whose causes he championed. His bronze sculptures, which form the majority of the exhibition, demonstrate his remarkable ability to convey movement and character through metal, bringing his subjects to life with an almost photographic immediacy.
Among the featured works is the striking bronze sculpture "Lady Constance Stewart-Richardson" from 1914 (model) and 1919 (cast), measuring 34.3 x 29.9 x 12.7 cm, courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. This piece exemplifies Troubetzkoy's masterful technique in capturing both the physical presence and social status of his elite subjects, demonstrating the sophisticated artistic skills that made him a sought-after portraitist among the international aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie.
The exhibition represents a significant cultural event, offering French audiences their first comprehensive look at Troubetzkoy's work in decades. Visitors can explore the full range of his artistic output, from intimate portrait sculptures to more ambitious compositions featuring his diverse subjects. The display provides insight into the cosmopolitan world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when artists like Troubetzkoy could maintain studios and social connections across multiple continents, creating a truly international artistic practice that reflected the global elite culture of his era.
