Finely Cast French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture “Playtime” by Marcel Bouraine

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MARCEL-ANDRÉ BOURAINE
French, active 1918-1935

"Playtime"

Lost-wax cast and verde patinated bronze | signed in cast "M. BOURAINE", the base … Read more MARCEL-ANDRÉ BOURAINE
French, active 1918-1935

"Playtime"

Lost-wax cast and verde patinated bronze | signed in cast "M. BOURAINE", the base edge "Susse Frs. Edts Paris", "cire purdue" and foundry cachet for Susse verso | cast circa 1930

Item # 408HIK27W

A very finely cast example after Bouraine's model of La Recréation edited by Susse in the 1930s, the present cast remains in exquisite original condition with its vibrant and emerald-like verde patination positively glowing like a jewel. The endearing scene captures a mother teasing her son, pulling him forward by his hand while he is obviously playing hard to get. Naturalistic and stylistically reminiscent of the treatment of mythological subjects, the woman and her son are portrayed in a dreamlike state that defies any specific era: both could exist in this present moment as easily as a thousand years before.

Executed using the lost-wax method, the details in the subject are captured directly from the wax model from which the bronze was cast by Susse. Positively brilliant in execution and composition.

A terracotta example of the model is pictured in Alberto Shayo's landmark reference work Statuettes of the Art Deco Period (p. 61).


Measurements: 14 1/2" H x 21 7/8" W x 8 5/8" D

Condition Report:
Exquisite original condition. Very minor handling wear including to her proper left shoulder and knee, the strands of the boy's hair; a naturally patinated scuff to her shouldblade verso, . Carefully cleaned and sealed in conservator's wax. A very fine presentation, ready to place. See less