Jules Jouant

JULES JOUANT (Paris, 1863- Cherisy, 1938).
Vase. "Nymph of the night", ca. 1900.
Silver-plated metal.
Signed on the lower right of the base.
Marks on the reverse of the foundry and publisher Ettlinger Frères.
Bibliography: Philippe Dahhan, "Etains 1900 - 200 Sculpteurs de la Belle Epoque," Editions de l'amateur. Page 206, fig. 591.
Weight: 5,800 g.
Measurements: 41 x 32 x 16 cm.

This silver metal vase is a reference piece for lovers of French modernism. It presents a dreamlike relief where a naked woman is cradled by a crescent moon, surrounded by a floral universe of poppies, a classic symbol of sleep and night. The importance of this work is supported by its inclusion in the reference book "Etain 1900" by Philippe Dahhan, where a variant of this same piece is recorded. Signed and stamped with the prestigious seal of the Parisian foundry Ettlinger Frères, this vase is an exceptional testimony of how human anatomy and nature converge in a true art sculpture.

Jules Jouant was a French sculptor who studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and was one of Auguste Rodin's pupils. Although he exhibited busts of notable figures (such as Prince Gedroyc in 1883 and musicians such as Wagner, Chopin and Beethoven), his greatest fame is due to his decorative pewter objects in pure Art Nouveau style. His extensive production (vases, lamp bases, jugs, etc.) was made by prestigious foundries such as Barbedienne, Eugène Blot and Ettlinger Frères. Jouant, who also collaborated with the Daum workshops, received an honorable mention at the 1913 Salon and was appointed professor at the Boulle School in Paris.

Foundry and publisher Ettlinger Frères. Early 20th century foundry 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.