Bird-Shaped Bookends in Silver-Plated Cast Metal by H. Moreau, 1900s, Set of 2

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H. Moreau (active in the early 20th century), Bird-shaped bookends, circa 1930. Silver-plated cast metal with inlaid glass eyes, mounted … Read more H. Moreau (active in the early 20th century), Bird-shaped bookends, circa 1930. Silver-plated cast metal with inlaid glass eyes, mounted on marble bases, 14 cm (total height) x 13 cm (width) x 5 cm (depth), 2.21 kg (combined).

- Silver plating partially oxidized and scuffed, very sporadically slightly dented




- The watchful gaze -



Following the geometric tendencies of Art Deco, the birds feature cubic bodies with triangular wings. And yet they are defined by sweeping curves: the head turned backward introduces a curved circular form that ends at the tail feathers and then continues upward through the gap between the tail feathers and the head into the upright headdress. This dynamic interplay of forms lends the birds an inner tension from which their sense of vitality arises, culminating in the eyes that have been set into them. Fully alert and inwardly tense, they push the books together. See less