French Art Deco school, 20-30s

French Art Deco School, 1920s-30s.
"Panther".
Patinated calamine. Black marble pedestal.
No signature.
With label on the back of the store where it was acquired in France.
It presents marks of use and wear. With chips on the base.
Measurements: 18 x 10 x 60 cm (sculpture); 3 x 13 x 69 cm (base).

Calamine sculpture representing a panther in intimidating attitude, with open jaws, muscles in tension and bristly tail. Piece of quality, resulting from a deep knowledge of animal anatomy, inspired by the panthers made during the Art Deco period (years 20-30). Among all the Art Deco representations of wild animals, the panther motif was particularly common, given that at this time qualities such as speed and elegance were especially valued.

The representation of wild animals was one of the most frequent themes during the Art Deco period, since this was the time of the discovery of wild Africa, mainly by reporters covering the new rallies. European society was fascinated by the exotic fauna in freedom, a reflection of a world still to be exploited, still far from the control imposed by civilization. Representations of animals of all kinds, especially felines but also birds, gazelles, elephants, etc., proliferated. Of course, always treated under the aesthetics of the time, with a solid classicist base, orderly and harmonious, synthetic and reduced to its essence, expressive and forceful in its simplicity.