Maurice Font - Bookends - Metal, Marble - Two seals

Maurice Font (M. Font) – Pair of Art Deco Sea Lion Bookends – Patinated Metal on Marble – France – 20th Century Offered for auction is an elegant matching pair of vintage Art Deco bookends featuring two beautifully sculpted sea lions, attributed to the French animalier sculptor Maurice Font (M. Font). The sculptures depict two sea lions or seals in upright resting positions, with their heads raised and their front flippers resting on the bases. Their graceful silhouettes, expressive faces and carefully modelled bodies give them a lively and realistic appearance. The sea lions are mounted on rectangular, light-coloured marble bases displaying attractive natural veins and warm pink, orange and reddish-brown tones. A signature reading M. Font is visible on the side of the sculptures, as shown in the photographs. Artist and design Maurice Font was a French sculptor associated with Art Deco animalier sculptures and decorative objects, particularly stylised representations of animals. His work is associated with the French Art Deco tradition, in which animal subjects were often depicted using elegant, simplified forms and carefully balanced proportions. These sea lions display characteristic Art Deco qualities, including streamlined shapes, smooth surfaces, expressive animal poses and a harmonious combination of sculptural metalwork and natural stone. Comparable works by Maurice Font are often dated to the 1920s and 1930s, although the exact production date of this particular pair has not been independently established. Material and finish The sea lion sculptures are made of dark bronze-patinated cast metal, probably spelter, also known as régule or zamak, with a polished finish. The dark metallic surface has attractive bronze and brown tones, creating a warm contrast with the pale marble bases. The animals feature carefully sculpted details, including their eyes, noses, whiskers, necks, flippers and naturalistic body contours. Each sculpture stands on a rectangular base of light cream-coloured marble with distinctive natural pink, orange and reddish-brown veining. The natural variations in the marble give each base its own individual appearance. The combination of dark patinated metal and pale natural stone is characteristic of many French Art Deco decorative sculptures and bookends. Dimensions Approximate dimensions per bookend: Height: 13 cm Length: 13 cm Width: 8 cm Quantity: 2 bookends, forming one matching pair. Condition The bookends are in a good vintage condition, showing some signs of age and previous use. The metal sculptures display an attractive dark patina with some minor surface marks, variations in colour and signs of wear. The marble bases feature natural veining and colour variations, together with some age-related surface marks and wear around the edges. The undersides have protective backing material showing signs of age and use. Please carefully examine all photographs for a complete impression of the condition. The photographs form an integral part of the description. Decorative and collecting interest These bookends are particularly appealing to collectors of sea lions, seals, seal figurines, marine mammals, aquatic animals, ocean wildlife, sea animals, maritime decorations, nautical art, coastal antiques and animal sculptures. They are also suitable for collectors of French Art Deco, animalier sculptures, vintage bronze-effect statues, patinated metal sculptures, spelter figures, régule sculptures, zamak figurines, marble ornaments, antique-style decorative objects and European decorative arts. The elegant figures combine the beauty of animal sculpture with the practical purpose of traditional bookends. They can be displayed as book supports, bookshelf ornaments, library accessories, study decorations, office accessories, desk ornaments or decorative sculptures in their own right. Their distinctive combination of dark metallic figures and pale marble also makes them suitable for Art Deco interiors, vintage furniture arrangements, classic libraries, traditional studies, nautical-themed rooms, coastal interiors and eclectic collections. Search and collecting themes include Art Deco bookends, antique bookends, vintage bookends, sea lion bookends, seal bookends, animal bookends, marble bookends, French bookends, sculptural bookends, book holders, book rests, book supports, decorative bookends, marine animal sculptures, sea lion statues, seal statues, wildlife figurines, animalier art, French sculpture, patinated metal, marble bases, bronze patina, decorative antiques and 20th-century design. A decorative matching pair These two complementary sea lion figures form an appealing decorative ensemble. Their upright poses, smooth sculptural forms, expressive faces and contrasting marble bases make them particularly attractive when displayed together. An interesting addition to a collection of animal figurines, maritime antiques, French Art Deco sculptures or vintage decorative objects. Shipping Both bookends will be carefully and individually wrapped in protective packaging. Special attention will be given to protecting the metal sculptures and the edges and corners of the marble bases. The pair will be packed together in a sturdy cardboard box and shipped with track and trace. A charming and decorative pair of French Art Deco sea lion bookends bearing the M. Font signature, combining animalier sculpture, dark bronze-patinated metal and beautifully veined natural marble.

Estimate:£125.02

View all items fromCatawikiorFurniture, Design & Mirrors