Marcel Debut

MARCEL DEBUT (Paris, 1865-1933).
Vase "The Vine", ca. 1900.
Patinated pewter.
Signed on the right side.
Paper labelwith inscription on the back.
Weight: 1.840 g.
Bibliography: Philippe DAHHAN, Étains 1900, 200 Sculpteurs de la Belle Époque, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 2000, reproduced p. 109, fig. 279.
Measurements: 29 x 14 x 13 cm.

Amphora-shaped vase in pewter with green and brown patina. The front of the body is decorated with a naiad reclining on the waves and surrounded by aquatic plants. On the other side of the vase, an Amorcillo, seen from behind, climbs up the body, clinging to the branches. The abundant aquatic vegetation partially conceals two inscriptions: "Je m'arrache" and "Je meurs". The small handles evoke the movement of the waves.

Marcel Début was one of the most prominent bronze sculptors of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, the peak of this discipline. Son of the sculptor Didier Début, Marcel trained with Henri Chapu at the School of Fine Arts in Paris, obtaining the Grand Prix to travel to Rome. He attended the Parisian Salons from 1883 until the beginning of the First World War. He worked mainly on the human figure, often with a realistic approach, although he also produced excellent animal sculptures. Marcel Début moved between romanticism, realism and impressionism, even producing works within Art Nouveau. His works were especially popular during Romanticism, although they already showed early Impressionist traits.