Jean Baffier

Jean Baffier (born in Neuvy-le-Barrois, Cher, on 18 November 1851, and died in Paris on 19 April 1920), was a French sculptor.

Biography He became known for his bronze figurines (Le Vigneron, Le Faucheur, Le Vielleux) and his tin objects (vases, candlesticks, dinnerware) decorated with plant motifs. He also made statues and busts of historical figures (Louis XI, Jean-Paul Marat, Jean-Jacques Rousseau).

A strong regionalist, he became interested in the traditional music and folk tales of his native province of Berry. In 1886, he founded Le Réveil de la Gaule, a magazine that he edited until 1912. He was also the author of a collection of Berrichon stories, entitled Nos géants d'auterfoés.

Main works

Statues

Publications Le Réveil de la Gaule, ou la Justice de Jacques Bonhomme, Paris, 1886 Les Marges d'un carnet d'ouvrier : objections sur la médaille à M. Zola offerte à propos de l'affaire Dreyfus, Paris, 1898 Causeries esthétiques d'un ouvrier sculpteur français. La Cathédrale de France, ses destructeurs, ses détracteurs, pourquoi on a voulu la détruire, pourquoi on l'a calomniée, Paris, 1900 Nos géants d'auterfoés. Récits berrichons recueillis par Jean Baffier, revue of the sixteenth century, Société des études rabelaisiennes, Champion, Paris, 1913. Reedited by Champion, Paris, 1920