Art Nouveau Statue - Boy with Catapult - signed Milo

Art Nouveau Statue – Boy with Catapult – Signed Milo

This Small Male Nude Bronze titled Boy with Catapult captures a fleeting moment of childhood daring, rendered in warm, golden bronze that invites both contemplation and admiration. The figure’s youthful posture—one leg angled, body leaning into the motion of winding the catapult—speaks to an age-old impulse toward adventure and play. Resting on a slender marble plinth, the sculpture draws the eye upward, allowing the polished metal to glow against the cool stone, creating a seamless interplay of textures.

Origins in Lisbon’s Creative Heart

Born in 1955 in Lisbon, Miguel Fernando Lopez has spent his life weaving Portugal’s rich artistic heritage into every piece he creates. This work was sculpted and cast in his own Lisbon atelier, where he shaped the wax model, oversaw the lost-wax bronze casting, and applied the final patina by hand. Each stage of its creation reflects Lopez’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, linking the traditions of European sculpture to the fluid lines of modern artistry.

Anatomical Harmony Meets Decorative Flourish

Here, classical anatomy meets the sinuous curves beloved by Art Nouveau visionaries. The supple contours of the boy’s torso, the gentle curve of his back, and the delicate definition of muscle recall the timeless allure of a famous art nouveau sculpture, yet the crisp realism of his features grounds the piece firmly in the present. This duality makes the figure an ideal statement for those who appreciate both the organic dynamism of art nouveau interior decor and the refined precision of contemporary bronze work.

The Catapult as Symbol and Form

More than a mere toy, the catapult becomes an extension of the boy’s will in this composition. Its taut lines echo the tension in his outstretched arm and the poised readiness of his stance. Lopez elevates this simple implement to sculptural significance, allowing its slender arms and blocked base to serve as a counterbalance to the figure’s sinuous curves. The result is a harmonious blend of function and beauty that resonates with collectors drawn to an art nouveau statue blend of utility and grace.

Illuminating Light and Shadow

Lopez’s mastery of surface texture transforms bronze into living skin. Under soft illumination, highlights dance across the polished planes of the boy’s shoulders and thighs, while subtle indentations around the collarbone and navel create pools of shadow that evoke depth and warmth. This dynamic range of light and dark invites viewers to circle the sculpture, discovering new details from every angle—much like encountering a famous art nouveau sculpture in the glow of a sunlit gallery.

An Enduring Statement for the Home

Signed “Milo” at the base, this Boy with Catapult is more than a fleeting portrayal of youth; it is a timeless celebration of curiosity, courage, and the enduring power of art to capture the human spirit. Ideal for settings that embrace art nouveau interior decor, this piece offers both a focal point and a conversation starter, enriching living spaces with its lyrical form and resonant symbolism. Whether displayed on a mantel, console, or dedicated pedestal, it brings a touch of poetic elegance and artisanal excellence to any collection.

Height: 32,5 cm
Width: 11 cm
Depth: 7 cm
Weight: 2,6 kg
100% Bronze