French Art Deco Figural Male Archer Statue
Sculptor: Max Le Verrier
Circa late 1920's/ early 1930's, France

 

Handsome French Art Deco figural male archer statue by one of the best know sculptors
of the Art Deco era in France, Max Le Verrrier. Produced at his own foundry, and resting on a sculpture
stone base that bears his signature. Cast of his own version of a white spelter metal and finished in
a patinated green painted finish, with original patina intact. The archer has an exceptional athletic
build and is nude, with a strategically placed fabric draped and blowing in the wind.
A small scale statue, ideal for displaying on a shelf, side or coffee table-or even a desk or vanity.
The bow is brass and removes for safe shipping.

Dimensions: 8 3/8" wide, 7 7/8" high, 2 3/4" deep with bow. ( base alone is 2 3/8" deep)

Condition: In very good condition. One very minor paint rub has been touched up on his left knee
and is priced accordingly.

Item # DAS51: Sold !
 

Bio:
Max Le Verrier was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, near Paris, in 1891. From an early age he showed great promise as an artist and sculptor; and after serving in the French army during World War I, he studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Geneva. During his studies in Switzerland he met fellow sculptors Pierre le Faguays and Marcel Bouraine, who became close friends and with whom he collaborated for much of his life. Upon completing his studies, le Verrier returned to France in 1919, and founded his own studio in Paris.

It was at this time that he created his first popular sculpture - the famous 'Pelican' - which was the first of a long line of animal figures that bore his name. LeVerrier was awarded a Gold medal for his sculptures at the 1925 Paris l'Exposition des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels (the famous exhibition from which the term 'Art Deco' was derived). In 1926, le Verrier opened his own foundry, casting pieces for a wide range of French sculptors of the period, including Pierre Le Faguays, Marcel Bourain, Janle, Denis, and Charles. From the outset, he gained a reputation for the very high quality work, exceptional detailing and accuracy of the items that his firm produced. At the same time as running his foundry, le Verrier continued to sculpt his own creations, and in the 1920's he became famous for his studies of woman as part of the Art Deco era's fascination with the ideal female form. His female figures are characterised by a lithe athleticism and perfect symmetry; and are highly regarded and much sought after. 

LeVerrier continued working throughout the 1930's - receving a medal of honor at the Paris International Exhibition in 1937 - before being arrested in 1944 for his resistance activities against the Nazi-backed regime. He reopened his studio after World War II, and continued to sculpt until his death in 1973.

Additional pictures below: