César Baldaccini, known universally as César, was born in Marseille, France, to Italian immigrant parents. Growing up in a working-class neighbourhood near the city’s bustling port, he was surrounded by the sights and sounds of industry and craftsmanship. At the age of 12, he began taking drawing lessons, and by 14 he had enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in Marseille. There, he honed his skills in traditional sculpture before moving to Paris.
“Poule”, clubbed for 19 336 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
Revolutionising Sculpture with Compression and Expansion
César’s early works utilised scrap metal, welded into dynamic, animal-like forms that hinted at both the elegance and raw power of industrial materials. In 1960, he stunned the art world with his “compressions”, tightly compacted cubes of crushed cars, scrap metal, and everyday objects. These works transformed discarded industrial debris into bold, abstract sculptures, challenging conventional ideas of beauty and value.
Recognition, Influence, and Cultural Legacy
César exhibited internationally, representing France at major biennales and securing a place in museum collections around the world. In 1976, he designed the iconic trophy for France’s national film awards, now known as the Césars, which immortalised his name in popular culture. Beyond his technical innovations, César inspired generations of sculptors to embrace unconventional materials and processes. His work continues to provoke dialogue about consumption, waste and the role of the artist.