Henry Fugère

HENRY FUGÈRE (France, 1872 - 1944).
Tabletop centerpiece "Coquille, Trouvaille", ca. 1890.
Silver-plated pewter.
Signed on the lower right side.
StampEttlinger Frères, foundries and publishers on the reverse.
Weight: 4.650 g.
Bibliography: Philippe DAHHAN, Étains 1900, 200 Sculpteurs de la Belle Époque, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 2000, reproduced p. 155, fig. 421.
Measurements: 34 x 40 x 20 cm.

This Art Nouveau tabletop centerpiece in silver-plated pewter is in the form of an elegant shell. It is decorated with a nude female figure absorbedly holding and examining a small shell (venera) at eye level to contemplate its detail.

A sculptor, medal engraver and member of the French school, Fugère initially specialized in bronzes of idealized Art Deco-style beauties, such as his famous figure of Salome. Although he also produced realistic depictions of soldiers and workers, his work was distinguished by his use of varied materials, including bronze, ivory and stone for his chryselephantine pieces. Beginning in 1893, he exhibited regularly at the Salons de la Société des Artistes Français, where he was elected vice-president and received an honorary mention in 1927.

Ettlinger Frères were early 20th century foundries and publishers specialized in the production of pewter objects, especially in the Art Nouveau style. This foundry is associated with works by François Madurell and Joseph Berthier, among many others.