Film Premiere & Exhibition with Sacha Durand
December 14th, 17h - 21h
Atelier 11 Cité Falguière, 75015, Paris
The presentation of the Marcello project offers visitors an immersive experience to discover the life and work of Adèle d’Affry. Swiss sculptor, painter and aristocrat, who would later go by the pseudonym Marcello, she lived and worked during the 19th century and sought to create work that aligned with the traditions and standards of the many predominant and renowned male artists she admired.
Produced at Atelier 11 earlier this year by Sacha Durand, Marcello invites you for a short film screening and an exhibition to explore both on and behind the scenes of this project, while discovering one of the last preserved Parisian ateliers of the 19th century.
Atelier 11 Cité Falguière, 75015, Paris
The presentation of the Marcello project offers visitors an immersive experience to discover the life and work of Adèle d’Affry. Swiss sculptor, painter and aristocrat, who would later go by the pseudonym Marcello, she lived and worked during the 19th century and sought to create work that aligned with the traditions and standards of the many predominant and renowned male artists she admired.
Produced at Atelier 11 earlier this year by Sacha Durand, Marcello invites you for a short film screening and an exhibition to explore both on and behind the scenes of this project, while discovering one of the last preserved Parisian ateliers of the 19th century.
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Through my research, I discovered that Marcello has been the subject of a discreet but lasting fascination over time. I was able to speak with Luisa Figini, a Swiss contemporary visual artist who created an installation about Marcello. I also found a research project of an English student in the archives of the Musée d’Orsay. Eventually, Marcello's greatest wish was granted, but not necessarily as she would have imagined. Marcello wanted to leave a mark. She was fascinated by great minds, those who had modern instinct and whose works have marked history: Michelangelo for sculpture and Eugène Delacroix for painting. Despite being little known amongst the wider public, Marcello's works are integral to many public collections around the world, including Musée d’Orsay in Paris, Château de Fontainebleau, Château de Compiègne, the Fine Arts Museum of Marseille, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Philadelphia Museum of Art and, most importantly, the Opéra Garnier with her famous interpretation of the Pythia. The Marcello Foundation in Fribourg (Switzerland) continues to promote her legacy with her works exhibited in the permanent collection of the Museum of Art and History of Fribourg. |
What she did not anticipate was that she would be remembered not only for her work, but for who she was. The story surrounding her experiences and character have become nearly as remarkable as the work she produced, perhaps because of how it enabled the possibilities for such work. She took a male pseudonym and exchanged political letters with Adolphe Thiers, she wrote as well as she sculpted, developing a political and artistic career which many women were not able to access. She admired Napoléon III more than anything but felt uncomfortable in his frivolous empire. Her character is defined by a juggling of these three self-prescribed identities: Marcello, artist, writer. Marcello was one of those epic and proud souls who could be easily overtaken by their own outbursts. “I remember my lips uttering these imprudent words: Lord, entrust me with a noble task, a perilous mission, crowned by victory or death; give me the strength and courage to undertake them and in exchange take the share of happiness meant for me in this world.” – Marcello
The idea of making a film about Marcello came to me immediately after reading the explanatory plaque next to the majestic and terrifying Pythie at the Opéra Garnier. A statue with a very unique body, three identities, including a male one; immediately, I began my research. Marcello's story resonated with me and awakened many themes that are dear to my heart. This sparked an idea, the kind of idea you want to keep secret until it takes shape. The path to this film was paved with pitfalls but turned out to be just like Marcello: an epic succession of battles but also of creative experimentation. These are the experiments that I would like to share with you in order to enhance our understanding of Marcello: the bespoke costumes chosen to reflect her multiple personalities, the moldings that were made, the film set, etc.
– Sacha Durand
The idea of making a film about Marcello came to me immediately after reading the explanatory plaque next to the majestic and terrifying Pythie at the Opéra Garnier. A statue with a very unique body, three identities, including a male one; immediately, I began my research. Marcello's story resonated with me and awakened many themes that are dear to my heart. This sparked an idea, the kind of idea you want to keep secret until it takes shape. The path to this film was paved with pitfalls but turned out to be just like Marcello: an epic succession of battles but also of creative experimentation. These are the experiments that I would like to share with you in order to enhance our understanding of Marcello: the bespoke costumes chosen to reflect her multiple personalities, the moldings that were made, the film set, etc.
– Sacha Durand
Marcello set at Atelier 11, photo by Milena Hernandez, 2023
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As I was looking for a 19th century artist studio in order to tell the story of Marcello, discovering Atelier 11 became an incredible opportunity. As soon as I set foot in the Atelier, I remember being enchanted by this blessed place for artists. The light that passes through is marvelous, offering beautiful photographic possibilities that are so important for a film. Furthermore, the notion of cultural heritage is very dear to me - a place like this must be preserved, its history is too precious. |