Born in Saverne in 1862, François-Rupert Carabin was a French artist whose work spanned sculpture, cabinetmaking, engraving, and photography. After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, he settled in Paris and became a key figure of the Art Nouveau movement, renowned for his intricately carved furniture, often adorned with female figures and naturalistic elements.

 

A talented photographer and illustrator, Carabin also left behind a rich collection of drawings, reflecting his meticulous attention to detail and unique imagination. This selection of works offers a fresh perspective on the aesthetics and creativity of this remarkable artist. Carabin left a lasting mark on art history through his innovative approach and dedication to the decorative arts before passing away in Strasbourg in 1932.

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This selection of nude drawings by François-Rupert Carabin forms a series of preparatory studies for his sculpted furniture works. Known for his bold and refined style, Carabin’s approach integrates the human figure at the very core of his designs, where the female body becomes both a structural and ornamental element.

 

Through these sketches, the artist explores the postures, curves, and tensions of the body, thereby refining the fusion between sculpture and cabinetmaking. His precise and expressive lines convey a quest for harmony between the sensuality of the model and the rigor of architectural composition.