French Art Deco Panther Statue in Bronze, Grrrrrrrrrr

Collectibles : Art Deco

 

For a crowd obsessed with speed, economy, power, agility -- all those attributes and more that those lucky people who lived through the Art Deco period revered and emulated, as they basked in the notion that it was a whole new world and ANYTHING was possible -- the panther was one of the quintessential symbols. Right up there with his prey, the gazelle! But the gazelle was a bit too "femme" to be in the same ranks with this power symbol! I've seen a fair number of panther statues during my many trips to France, but frankly this one leaves the rest of them in the veldt. His modeling is downright scary-real -- can't you feel the tension (and yes, he's anatomically correct)? His patina is superb, a deep, rich green/brown. The stepped black marble base is in near-perfect condition (a tiny chip or two) and has been beautifully carved; the steps almost give the feeling of being a waterfall. This guy is made of bronze, and he's massively heavy -- probably a solid casting; the tiny, tiny word "BRONZE" is stamped into his left hind foot. Bronze castings of this quality were generally accomplished by the period's finest artists; alas, no signature. I'll be you anything, on the other hand, that those wily French experts could tell us from across the jungle floor who sculpted him! He measures 18 inches wide, 4 1/4 front-to-back, and 9 high.

Item ID: FRSCULPT14