Collections record Beta

Wood Figures

1984-09-6 A-C

Three wood figures depicting World War I (WWI) soldiers. All three are executed as flat carvings (cutouts) and are hand-painted. Two figures have wood stands, the third is likely missing its stand. Figures are painted in different styles, ranging from cartoonish caricatures for the German soldiers to more a realistic depiction for the French pilot. A - British "Tommy" soldier charging with bayonet and gun. Brown uniform, sergeant's rank insignia on left sleeve. Wood body with details painted on wooden form. 13" high x 11" wide. Signed at the bottom, "G. BOUDARD." B - French pilot of the Aéronautique Militaire in black and red uniform. 9" high x 2 3/4" wide. Wood body with details painted on wooden frame. Painted green base with signature, "DAN." C - Two Germans wearing grey uniforms, surrendering with arms in the air. Wood body with details painted on wooden form. 10 1/2" high x 6 1/2" wide. Painted yellow base with signature, "DAN."

Multiple examples of wood or fretwork figures by G. Boudard can be found in museum collections (including the Imperial War Museums) and past auctions. Sources describe him as a French soldier who was wounded at the First Battle of the Marne in 1914. While recovering, wounded soldiers such as Boudard may have been taught vocational skills such as woodworking as a form of occupational therapy and, if necessary, a source of income.

• Boudard, G.

ca. 1914-1918

various

• wood
• paint