Alberic Collin
Alberic Collin was born on 6 April1886 in Antwerp, and remained a citizen of the city all his life. He studied at art at the Antwerp Academy from the age of 16 or 17, and seems to have had no doubt as to his vocation as a sculptor; specifically a sculptor of animals.
The Zoological Gardens at Antwerp were committed to attracting artists to work within its walls, and Collin often stated that self-motivated study of the animals there constituted the most important part of his education. He made no attempt to travel for any significant period to Paris, and seems to have had no single gallery representing his work either in Belgium or abroad. He acted as his own agent, and exhibited at the annual Salons of Belgian and French artists. He came to the fore with a 1910 exhibition at Antwerp Zoo itself and enjoyed further solo exhibitions in 1922 and 1955, the latter a substantial retrospective.
Information is scarce on Collin. It is difficult to establish whether he married or had family, and records of his business dealings are untraced. In rare interviews he spoke of his ‘ivory tower’, introversion and all-consuming desire to depict the animals who, he said, knew him best. This very reclusive demeanour may have been influenced by Bugatti, whom Collin acknowledged as his one mentor. Collin learnt much from him about the importance of observation and of pursuing one’s personal vision; indeed Bugatti discouraged any emulation from his admirer, except in the principle of commitment and vigour.