Alexandre Kéléty

ALEXANDRE KÉLÉTY (1918-1940).
"Jean Mermoz."
Patinated bronze; Belgian black marble base.
Signed.
Presents foundry stamp.
Reproduced on page 86 of "Art Deco Sculpture: From Root To Flourishing. Volume II" by M. Okroyan.
Measurements: 21 x 35 x 18 cm / 29 cm (total height with base).

This patinated bronze bust by Alexandre Kéléty represents the famous French aviator Jean Mermoz, emblematic figure of civil aviation between the wars. Kéléty conceives the portrait with a marked compositional dynamism, as the head of the sitter leans to the right. This effect of movement is intensified by the presence of a cloth that, caught in the neck and projected to the left, suggests the displacement of air at high speed.

Hungarian sculptor of the Art Deco period, Alexandre Kéléty emigrated to France in his youth, and completed his training in Toulouse. He later moved to Paris to complete his studies and consolidate his knowledge. He made both sculptures and objects, and excelled especially in his figures of animals, both exotic and European. He also made beautiful and elegant figurative sculptures, representing athletes and dancers, although he also approached portraiture with a totally personal language. He is currently mainly represented in private collections.