Marius Ernest Sabino

MARIUS ERNEST SABINO (Sicily, 1878–France, 1961).
“Elephants.”
Opalescent glass. Metal base with a later-period light.
Signed.
Work published in the catalog raisonné “Sabino. Maitre Verrier de L’Art Deco, 1878–1961,” by Philippe Decelle.
Measurements: 17.5 x 25 x 9 cm; 23 x 12 x 28 cm (with base).

The significance of this sculpture lies in its status as a representative example of Marius Ernest Sabino’s work during the French Art Deco period. In 1925, Marius Ernest Sabino created an opalescent blue-tinted glass with a non-uniform iridescent quality, resembling diffused clouds scattered throughout the piece or reflections on water. Beginning in the 1920s, he undertook both official commissions and the creation of vases and other ornamental pieces, in which his skill as a sculptor is evident.

Shaped using synthetic forms and soft volumes, the group of elephants takes full advantage of the exceptional qualities of opalescent glass, whose milky hues and bluish reflections vary with the angle of the light and give the piece a striking sculptural presence. The choice of the elephant also reflects Art Deco’s interest in animal iconography and exotic motifs, which were very prevalent in the decorative arts of the 1920s and 1930s.

The depiction of wild animals was one of the most common themes during the Art Deco period, as this was the era of the discovery of wild Africa, primarily through reporters covering the new rallies. European society was captivated by exotic wildlife in the wild, a reflection of a world yet to be exploited, still far removed from the control imposed by civilization. Depictions of animals of all kinds then proliferated—especially felines, but also birds, gazelles, elephants, and so on. Of course, these were always rendered in the aesthetic of the era—rooted in a solid classical tradition, orderly and harmonious, with forms that were simplified and reduced to their essence, expressive and powerful in their simplicity. Among all the depictions of wild animals in Art Deco, the panther motif was particularly common, as qualities such as speed and elegance were especially valued at this time.

Of Sicilian origin, Marius Ernest Sabino (1878–1961) trained at the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris, where he showed a particular interest in new applications of glass. After World War I, upon returning from the front, he founded his own workshop. Interested in both the artistic and technical aspects of glass production, he developed innovative techniques in both construction and decoration, primarily creating mold-blown pieces with relief decorations. Beginning in the 1920s, he undertook official commissions as well as produced glasses and other ornamental pieces, which clearly demonstrate his skill as a sculptor. Sabino also exhibited his work at the Paris Salons and showcased a large illuminated column at the 1937 World’s Fair. After World War II, Marius Sabino continued to run the factory, although he stopped creating new designs.