Irenée Rochard

IRENÉE ROCHARD (1906-1984).
"Panthers".
Bronze.
Signed.
Measurements: 83 x 23 cm.

Bronze sculpture representing two panthers in intimidating attitude, with open jaws, muscles in tension and bristly tail. Piece of quality, which results from a deep knowledge of the 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 particularly valued.
Irenée Rochard, an artist specializing in animal sculpture whose style is influenced by that of François Pompon and Edward Sandoz, offers us a tender image featuring a doe and her fawn. It is a bronze that meticulously captures the real model, although the author pays special attention to capturing the movement of the animals' anatomy. Rochard's art responds to the animalistic theme that occupied the works of many artists in the early twentieth century. It was a naturalistic trend in its representation, both in the expression of the animals and in the details of their anatomy, fur, etc.