Pair of Renoir's Famed "Fire" and Water" Figures; Vintage Copies, One by Austin Productions

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This pair of vintage sculptures is based on designs by Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841- 1919, in his later years, for … Read more This pair of vintage sculptures is based on designs by Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841- 1919, in his later years, for a pair of monumental sculptures: Le Feu (Fire) and L’Eau (Water). With the encouragement and assistance of famed Paris gallerist Vollard, and under Renoir’s direction, L'Eau was executed in collaboration with Spanish sculptor Richard Guinot Boix. Le Feu was never executed in monumental form but renditions, and then copies, were made based on Renoir's designs.
The sculptures likely date from mid-century, the 60’s or 70’s, when companies such as Austin Productions were making fine art replicas. Given the differences in size, surface appearance, details and materials they were not done by the same hand or foundry.
These works illuminate Renoir evolution’s as an artist. Before his death he began to turn away from Impressionism towards Classicism, as represented in the elements Fire and Water. L'Eau may also have represented the Roman godess Venus, who arose out of sea foam, (Sometimes the figures were known as The Blacksmith and TheWasherwoman).

Both sculptures are fine renditions of Renoir’s original vision, withi similar proportions and forms. fThey do different in some respects from one another. Le Feu is larger and has a more worked, muscled and freer feel. The young blacksmith is very focused on his metalwork. We do not know who modeled Le Feu or exactly with what materials. Different replicas of each piece were made, some in bronze, some in patinated resin, and some in other composite materials.
L’Eau is more subdued, graceful and detailed. She is lifting cloth out of the water; her mind seems somewhere else. Importantly, the base of the work itself has AUSTIN PRODUCTIONS and a circular symbol, presumably the company’s stamp. She may be of Durestone, a composite used by Austin Productions, or patinated Plaster. The sculpture has what seems an original wood base.
It is unusual to have a pair like this. We acquired the two pieces together and are selling them as a pair. Graceful, decorative and meaningful, they would make a special addition to home décor or a collection.

LE FER: HEIGHT is 15.5"'. WIDTH is 5". LENGTH is 12".

L’EAU. HEIGHT is 14.75" with wood base & 14" without. WIDTH is 6.75" with base & 5.50" without. LENGTH:is 10.75" with base & 10 without. See less