Charles Theodore Perron

CHARLES THEODORE PERRON (France, 1862 - 1934).
Vase "Conch", ca. 1890.
Silver-plated pewter.
Signed on one side.
Marks on the back of the foundry publisher Victor Saglier.
Weight: 1.460 g.
Bibliography: Philippe DAHHAN, Étains 1900, 200 Sculpteurs de la Belle Époque, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 2000, reproduced p. 313, fig. 939.
Measurements: 21 x 12 x 12 cm.

In this vase we can observe a beautiful naiad, embraced to a conch, seated or mounted on an allegory to the God Neptune in the form of a big fish. It is a paradigmatic example that masterfully illustrates the aesthetic revolution that Art Nouveau brought to the decorative arts.

Charles Théodore Perron was a sculptor active in Paris, known mainly for his genre sculptures and some decorative pieces in the Art Nouveau style. He trained under the tutelage of Falguière, Roy and Louis-Auguste Hiolin. After debuting at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1895, his career was a succession of honors: he won honorable mention in 1896, third (1897) and second class medals (1899), and an honorable mention at the Universal Exposition of 1900. His recognition culminated with a first class medal in 1910, and his participation in the Royal Scottish Academy Exhibition in 1912.

Master goldsmith Victor Saglier was a central figure of French Art Nouveau, aligned with the aesthetics of the Nancy School. His style was often inspired by nature in designing both the shapes and settings of his pieces. Saglier was noted for collaborating with great names such as Louis Majorelle, Daum and Émile Gallé. His workshop on rue d'Enghien in Paris produced everyday objects-including crystal vases, pitchers and candlesticks-with metal mounts in bronze, silver-plated metal or cast zinc. The master's signature is easily identifiable: a three-masted sailing ship inscribed in an oval surrounded by the letters V and S in a rectangle. After his death, the company was continued by his brothers Eugène and André under the name of Saglier Frères until 1948.