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©MARION SAUPIN
©MARION SAUPIN
©MARION SAUPIN
©MARION SAUPIN
©MARION SAUPIN

Antonin Martineau

  • Woodcarver
  • Neuillé, France
  • Master Artisan
Antonin Martineau Woodcarver
Contact
French, English, Italian
Hours:
By appointment only
Phone:
+33 688902037
©MARION SAUPIN

Frozen in time

  • • Antonin specialises in carving human and animal statues
  • • He only works with local wood varieties
  • • He was awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2019

Through his wooden sculptures, Antonin Martineau explores the theme of characters. He sculpts the raw material to find the emotion, "to capture a moment of life in a piece of wood." His wooden figures are worked in detail, the wood turning into a fine expression of texture, fold or movement. For as long as he can remember, Antonin has always loved working with wood. He started studying the art of wood carving at the age of 14, at the Ecole Boulle. Fascinated by human and animal statuary, he then specialised in this field by joining the Cademia school in Ortisei. This two-year Italian experience allowed him to experience the heart of a school and city rooted in a strong tradition of European religious sculpture. Since 2016, Antonin has been running his own atelier.

Read the full interview

Works

  • ©Antonin MARTINEAU
  • ©MARION SAUPIN
  • ©MARION SAUPIN
  • ©Antonin MARTINEAU
  • ©Antonin MARTINEAU
Photo: ©Antonin MARTINEAU
Pensif

This sculpture in lime wood was made using the direct cut technique. It presents a man standing in the wind that is blowing in his coat and scarf. Confident and impassive, the figure is immersed in his thoughts. The gilding on the flying scarf contrasts with the light colour of the wood.

Photo: ©MARION SAUPIN
Observateur

Carved entirely by hand from a single piece of lime wood, this sculpture shows a man sitting on a step. He seems to be attracted by something he sees in the distance. The small size of this light wood sculpture gives the figure a delicate character.

Photo: ©MARION SAUPIN
Flâneuse

The Flâneuse is a sculpture made of limewood, a light-coloured and slightly grainy wood. Made using the direct carving technique, it presents a young woman walking. The slight breeze suggested by the sides of the coat creates a sensation of lightness that is enhanced by the golden flowing fabric of her blouse.

Photo: ©Antonin MARTINEAU
Rayon de Soleil

This limewood sculpture depicts a woman standing still. Her legs are crossed, and she is leaning on her umbrella. The eyes are closed, her face catches the light, as if she is enjoying a ray of sunshine. Carved entirely by hand, this piece has captured a moment in time.

Photo: ©Antonin MARTINEAU
Espoir

This wooden sculpture shows a little girl chasing a balloon on a string. The balloon, made of dark walnut wood, contrasts with the light colour of the lime wood. The subtle play of different finishes worked with tools brings the material to life and gives the sculpture a spark of life.

Enjoy an experience with Antonin Martineau

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