Reuben Nakian Animal Sculptures

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY “Leda and the Swan” is by Reuben Nakian (1897 - 1986). He was an American sculptor and teacher of Armenian extraction. His works’ recurring themes are from Greek and Roman mythology. Nakian’s small bronzes achieve majesty and power which are not dependent on size and amplitude. With characteristic freshness, he has reinterpreted the classical subject of Leda and the Swan refining it in the Classical-Renaissance-Baroque tradition in a contemporary way. Dr. Robert P. Metzger gives us his aesthetic interpretation of this work which retells the myth in classical hedonism and freedom of expression showing Leda and the Swann prior to her being ravaged and during their first meeting. “The young virgin is fascinated with her new found friend and accepts him in a spirit of playfulness, contentment and wonder. She is dreamily available and shyly seductive as the deceptively tame swan snuggles up to her with its phallic-like neck.” Leda appears composed, placid yet open and available as compared to her more intense and passionate states in other of Nakian’s depictions on the same theme. This was cast at the "Renaissance Art Foundry" in 1978 and is so marked on the base being #5 of 7. It is believed that “no other sculptor of the twentieth century matched Rueben’s heroic renditions with the grand themes of Western Art. His erotic mythological figures exude a joyous energy of gesture and movement which place them among seminal sculptural achievements of the past one hundred years.” Nakian studied at the Independent School of Art in New York City previously known as the Robert Henri School … with Homer Boss...

Representing the mythical figure of a foo dog, this incredibly ornate figure packs detail and beauty in a compact form. Beautifully patinated piece from the 1940s. Four character sea...

Art Deco sculpture table lamp - 1930s. This beautiful, original table lamp impresses with its simple and functional Art Deco design. The seal lamp provides ...

Mid Century Wicker Seal or Sea Lion with a tight and intricate woven construction. Having glass eyes and a carved wood removal lid that opens to reveal secret storage. This Seal bear...

Seal Stamp "Dindon" (turkey) made in butterscotch glass by René Lalique in 1925. Engraved signature on the edge. Perfect condition Measure: height: 6 cm Félix Marcilhac, René Lali...

Seal Stamp "Moineau" (Sparrow) made in clear glass by René Lalique in 1925. Stamped signature. Perfect condition height: 5 cm Félix Marcilhac, René Lalique - Catalogue Raisonné de...

Small Playing seal figurine by walter bosse around 1950s Original condition

Baby seal etched crystal sculpture by Mats Jonasson Sweden. This crystal art glass sculpture is a work of art with its hand made, hand etched exquisite det...

Pair of brass seal sculptures that could also be used as bookends.

Art Deco parrot bookends by Georges Van de Voorde with Foundry seal Brig, Paris. The birds are in patinated Art metal and stand on green marble bases...

This charming leather seal sculpture, crafted with rope details and visible stitching, is a testament to the decorative design of the 1970s. Its smooth an...

“Panther”by Primavera, circa 1930 An exceptional brown and white glaze enameled ceramic zoomorphic sculpture of a walking panther on a black enameled base. Signed on the base "Primavera E.Pierre" Circa 1930. Bibliography : "Primavera, naissance de la céramique moderne", Galerie Anne-Sophie Duval, 2013, illustrated page 87. “Primavera 1912-1972, Atelier d’Art du Printemps" Alain-René Hardy, Faton Edition Primavera 1912-1972: Atelier d’Art du Printemps Primavera, “Spring” in Italian, was the first French department store to set up a creative workshop at the beginning of the 20th century. The adventure began in 1912 with two Decorative Arts enthusiasts: Pierre Laguionie (1884-1978), director of “Printemps” Department Store and lawyer René Guilleré (1878-1931), founder of the Salon des Artistes Dé-corateurs. Their objective is to promote the craft of Art in the daily life of the French people on the motto of the beautiful and the useful. Decorative objects and furniture (furniture, ceramics, glassware, carpets, up-holstery, wallpapers, etc.) must be beautiful, modern, of high quality and at affordable prices. The studio acquired young decorative artists such as Marcel Guillemard (1886-1932) and Louis Sognot (1892-1969) for furniture, and for works of art and ceramics by Madeleine Sougez (1891-1945)active from 1920 to 1928, Claude Lévy (1895-1942) from 1919 to 1929, Paule Petitjean...