French Art Deco Figural Bronze
Leaping Gazelles Statue
Sculptor/ Artist: Max LeVerrier
Circa early 1920's, France 
Wonderful and rare French Art Deco
Bronze statue, depicting a group of three leaping gazelles.
Elegant and beautifully proportioned, with graceful movement as the
gazelles leap forward in the stylized grass, cantilevered over the
original marble base. The original rich bronze patina is intact.
This statue was thoughtfully
constructed, in 2 pieces that interlock like a puzzle, at the
grass,
for ease of moving and shipping. This is an early piece from Max
LeVerrier when he was
using various pseudonyms on his pieces, such as 'Artus'. This style
of gazelles were used
on the famous 'Group Atalante' sculpture.
This was in his early
period, where he specialized in animals.
Signed 'Rulas' in the corner of the
black marble base.
The number 1 is stamped in the bronze on the underside of the top
bronze section,
and is only visible when disassembled.
A great piece to display on a small buffet, console or sofa table.
You may also wish to display this as a centerpiece on a coffee table
or rectangular dining table,
as this piece looks great from all angles.
Dimensions: 26" wide, 10 7/8" high,
5 1/8" deep.
Condition: In excellent original
condition. Minor age related flea bites on the base, as shown.
DAS82: Price: $
6,800.
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 honour 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:
Pics below show the 2 piece interlocking
assembly:
Reverse side:
