LARGE BRONZE VASE WITH TWO PATINAS BY MARCEL DEBUT (1865-1933)

Large bronze amphora vase with a green patina and medallion. The front of the body is decorated with a naiad reclining on waves, surrounded by aquatic plants. On the other side of the vase, Cupid, seen from behind, climbs the body, clinging to branches. The abundant aquatic vegetation partially obscures two inscriptions: "Je m'arrache" (I tear myself away) and "Je meurs" (I die). Small, undulating handles evoke the movement of waves. This Art Nouveau vase is signed in relief on the base: "Marcel Debut".

Circa: 1900

Condition report: in very good condition.

Documentation :

In Greek mythology, naiads were water nymphs who lived in fresh water, particularly rivers, springs, and fountains. They were the object of a special cult. Naiads were considered daughters of Zeus, river gods, or Oceanus, and are sometimes counted among the priestesses of Dionysus. They are depicted as young and beautiful, usually with bare arms and legs, leaning on an urn from which water pours, or holding a seashell and pearls whose luster enhances the simplicity of their adornment. A reed crown adorns their hair, which flows over their shoulders. They are also sometimes crowned with aquatic plants.

Marcel Debut (Paris, 1865-1933), painter and sculptor, was a student of his father Didier Debut, then of Thomas and Chapu at the École des Beaux-Arts. Member of the Société des Artistes Français, honorable mention in 1895, he exhibited at the Salon from 1883, plaster statuettes: "Sommelier du XVe siècle" (1889), "Petit Pêcheur au harpoon" (1893), "Actaeon" (1897), "Le Génie des arts" (1898) and bronzes: "Watteau" (1890), or the vase on the theme of Perseus and Andromeda (1896).