Large amphora vase in bronze with green patina and medal. The front of the body is decorated with a naiad reclining on waves and surrounded by aquatic plants. On the other side of the vase, an Amur, seen from behind, climbs the body, clinging to the branches. The abundant aquatic vegetation partially conceals two inscriptions: "Je m'arrache" and "Je meurs". Small handles evoke the movement of waves. This Art Nouveau vase is signed "Marcel Debut" on the base.
Circa: 1900
Condition report: in very good condition.
Documentation:
In Greek mythology, naiads were aquatic nymphs who lived in fresh waters, particularly rivers, springs and fountains. They were the object of a special cult. Naiads were considered the daughters of Zeus, the river gods or the ocean gods, and are sometimes counted among the priestesses of Dionysus. They are depicted young and pretty, usually bare-legged and bare-armed, leaning on an urn pouring water, or holding a shell and pearls, whose brilliance enhances the simplicity of their finery. A reed crown adorns their hair, which floats over their shoulders. They are also sometimes crowned with aquatic plants.
Marcel Debut (Paris, 1865-1933), painter and sculptor, studied with his father Didier Debut, then with Thomas and Chapu at the École des Beaux-Arts. A member of the Artistes Français, with honorable mention in 1895, he exhibited plaster statuettes at the Salon from 1883 onwards: "Sommelier du XVe siècle" (1889), "Petit Pêcheur au harpon" (1893), "Actéon" (1897), "Le Génie des arts" (1898) and bronzes: "Watteau" (1890), or the vase on the theme of Persée et d'Andromède (1896).
- Reference :
- 1778
- Width :
- 29 (cm)
- Height :
- 59 (cm)
- Depth :
- 25 (cm)
- Period:
- 20th century
- Style:
- Art Nouveau
- Materials:
- Bronze patina
