Richard Guino facts for kids

Richard Guino (also known as Ricard Guinó i Boix in Catalan) was a French sculptor. He was born on May 26, 1890, and passed away in February 1973. Guino was known for his beautiful sculptures that often celebrated the female form. He blended old art styles (classicism) with new ideas (modernity) using many different materials like wood, marble, bronze, and clay. A very special part of his career was working with the famous painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Early Life and Catalan Roots

Richard Guino was born in Girona, Catalonia, Spain, on May 26, 1890. His father was a skilled woodworker who made fine furniture. Richard went to a strict school run by the Marist brothers. He showed talent for sculpting at a young age. He first studied at the Art School of Girona. In 1906, he moved to Barcelona to attend the Superior School of Fine Arts. Interestingly, Pablo Picasso's father was one of his teachers there.

Guino's work was shown in art exhibitions in Girona (1908) and Barcelona (1910). A much older and famous sculptor named Aristide Maillol saw his work. Maillol was very impressed, calling Guino "the most gifted European sculptor of his generation." He invited Guino to come to France and work with him.

Moving to Paris

In 1910, Guino moved to Paris, France. He set up his art studio in the Montparnasse area. He worked as an assistant to Maillol in both Paris and Marly-le-Roi. Guino also studied at the Ranson Academy in Montmartre. There, he met Maurice Denis, for whom he created some sculptures for the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

Guino's art was shown in several galleries and exhibitions in Paris. Important art collectors like Count Kessel and art dealer Ambroise Vollard bought his sculptures. He also made striking drawings, including sketches of the famous dancer Isadora Duncan. Most of his early sculptures focused on strong and graceful female figures, such as Torso with drapery and Woman with mandolin.

Working with Renoir: A Special Partnership

Around this time, the art dealer Ambroise Vollard had an idea. He wanted the famous painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir to try sculpting. Renoir was getting older and suffered from severe arthritis, which made it hard for him to move. He could still paint by holding brushes between his fingers. Vollard thought Renoir needed "a pair of hands" to help him sculpt.

Maillol, who was a master sculptor, introduced Guino to Vollard. Vollard was excited and arranged for Guino to meet Renoir in 1913. Vollard hired Guino to work with Renoir. This began a unique partnership between the young sculptor and the older painter. People called it "miraculous" because they shared such a strong artistic connection.

This collaboration lasted from 1913 to 1918. They worked first in Essoyes, then at Renoir's home, "Les Collettes," in Cagnes-sur-Mer in Provence. Together, they created many important sculptures. These included the Small Venus, the Venus victrix, the Judgement of Pâris, and the Large Washer Woman. After Renoir died in 1919, his sculptures were shown to the public. However, for many years, they were only credited to Renoir, not to Guino.

Guino's Own Artistic Journey

Even after his work with Renoir, Guino continued to create his own art. He felt hurt that his contribution to the Renoir sculptures was not recognized. This made him want to explore new styles and techniques. He signed a contract with the Galerie Hebrard in Paris, which held three big exhibitions of his work in 1919, 1922, and 1923.

Guino was also interested in decorative arts. He made many beautiful glazed ceramics and some furniture. From 1922, he worked for over ten years with the famous Sèvres factory. They produced many of his models in stoneware and bisque (types of pottery).

In 1923, he showed his paintings and drawings in Barcelona and Paris. His sculptures were also displayed in several important art shows. In 1924, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs bought his sculpture Woman with Tambourine. He also signed a contract with Colin, a company that made bronze copies of his sculptures for ten years. In 1925, Guino received awards for his metal and ceramic work at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris. He also participated in a French art exhibition in Japan.

That same year, Guino became a French citizen and married Gabrielle Borzeix. They had six children together. Two of his children, Michel Guino and Marie Guino-Ronchi, also became artists. Guino moved his large family to a bigger studio in Antony, just outside Paris.

Guino continued to exhibit his work in various salons and galleries throughout the 1920s and 1930s. He also collaborated with Susse frères, another company that produced bronzes from his models, from 1931 to 1955.

Recognizing Guino's Contribution to Renoir's Sculptures

For many years, the sculptures made with Renoir were only known as "Renoir sculptures." However, in 1965, Richard Guino's son, Michel Guino (who was also a sculptor), began a long effort to get his father recognized. He wanted the world to know about Richard Guino's important role in creating those works.

After a detailed study of the sculptures and many discussions with artists, a court in Paris finally recognized Richard Guino as a co-creator in 1971. This decision was confirmed by the highest court in 1973. Art historian Paul Haesaerts had already pointed out in 1947 that Guino was essential. He wrote that "if he hadn't been there, the sculpture of Renoir would have never seen the light. Guino was indispensable."

The lawsuit was not against Renoir himself. Instead, it aimed to reveal the amazing story of how these sculptures were made. It showed Guino's original and important contribution, which had been hidden for commercial reasons. Unlike a typical assistant who just copies or enlarges a model, Guino transformed Renoir's paintings into sculptures. This special artistic "transmutation" happened because of their strong friendship and shared artistic vision. Renoir painted upstairs, while Guino sculpted clay in the garden studio. This unique collaboration makes their work truly special.

Exhibitions and Legacy

Richard Guino's sculptures are displayed in famous museums around the world. These include the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the Tate Gallery in London, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Since 1992, the museum in Girona, Spain (his hometown), has a permanent exhibition of Richard Guino's works. You can also see some of his pieces in his old studio in Antony, outside Paris.

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