Re-Making of ‘Libertas Americana’, Landscape Art Edition
We recently spoke with Thomas Lefeuvre, manager of the Casting Studio of the Louvre, about his workshop and processes behind the making the ‘Libertas Americana’ terracotta medallion, brought back to life as a special landscape art edition manufactured exclusively for CDL/S.
Q: Can you talk a bit about your role at the Casting Studio of the Louvre?
TL: I am in charge of all the custom designs for special orders. We have ancient pieces in the Louvre and other French museums. And, more directly, I monitor the orders of large pieces, especially if it is for individual clients.
We try to deal with the needs of all the customers, from architects to universities, and international art schools. We have a large client base in China and North America.
Q: You are currently involved in the casting process of the medallion. Can you talk a bit about the history of this medallion? What makes this unique?
TL: This medallion depicts America, portrayed as infant Hercules, underneath France, represented by Minerva, who is shielding the “New World” from the attacks of England, which has been portrayed as a raging lion. Imagined by Benjamin Franklin during his stay in Paris and ultimately morphing into a terra-cotta medallion by the renowned artist Claude Michel (1738-1814), known as Clodion, this medallion commemorated France’s key role in supporting America’s fight for independence.
Q: Can you speak about the process of making this casting? What were some challenges? Who else helped on this project?
TL: The most important thing to understand is that our casting studio is allowed to make the cast directly onto the original medallion. It’s not a copy – it’s a real cast on the original artifact with a silicon made mold. This method means that no details are lost.
I should point out that we have to respect the original artwork, and as a result, we only have the most detail-orientated artists working on this project. For the most part, this cast is quite simple, and will be made using a marble powder resin version – we know how to navigate the medium. In the past, we’ve done much bigger pieces for gardens.
As for additional help with this project, we have a Belgian partner who helps with the material.
Q: May you talk briefly about the durability of this piece?
TL: This medallion is not fragile. The resin is made to weather being exposed to a variety of extreme outdoor climates. In saying that, the patina on the surface will evolve with time and will age.
Q: Did you enjoy working on the medallion?
TL: Yes, it was a real pleasure. Clodion is one of the most important artists at the end of the 18th century and all his work on terracotta is very delicate, thin and gracious. It’s always a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with this kind of piece.
