N. R. Brunet

N. R. BRUNET (France, 1930s).
"Panther", Art Deco period.
Patinated bronze.
Signed.
Measurements: 46 x 75 x 14,5 cm.

Patinated bronze sculpture representing a panther in an upright position. Its treatment denotes a clearly modern aesthetic: the anatomical modeling reveals a deep knowledge of the natural, and at the same time a synthesizing intention, which seeks to eliminate the superfluous to capture the essence of the animal, its strength and fierceness, despite the static position of the panther.

The representation of wild animals was one of the most frequent themes during the Art Deco period, since this was the time of the discovery of wild Africa, mainly by reporters covering the new rallies. European society was fascinated by the exotic fauna in freedom, a reflection of a world still to be exploited, still far from the control imposed by civilization. Representations of animals of all kinds, especially felines but also birds, gazelles, elephants, etc., proliferated. Of course, always treated under the aesthetics of the time, with a solid classicist base, orderly and harmonious, synthetic and reduced to its essence, expressive and forceful in its simplicity. Of all the representations of wild animals in Art Deco, the panther motif was especially common, given that at this time qualities such as speed and elegance were especially valued.