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"Alfred the Penguin" Bronze, Art Deco Figurine on Portoro Marble, France, 1930

$803.64
£608.77
€690
CA$1,113.33
A$1,248.68
CHF 653.91
MX$15,172.62
NOK 8,303.58
SEK 7,872.38
DKK 5,253.50

About the Item

Alfred the Penguin – Art Deco Figurine An enigmatic and elegantly sculpted penguin, this piece pays homage to Alfred, the iconic silent companion from Zig et Puce, the French comic series created in 1925 by Alain Saint-Ogan with design powerfully echoes in the Art Deco mascots produced in interwar Paris—particularly those attributed to renowned sculptor Jacques Cartier and cast by H. Rouard. Likely nickel-plated bronze with black silken patina, untouched and evocative. Set on a rectangular portoro plinth, subtly marked by the absence of a now-lost identification plaque—its story hinted, not told. The unfilled holes in the plinth almost certainly mark the absence of such a plaque, once riveted or pinned in place—a key clue in the mystery of its origins. Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 18 Condition: Unrestored, with time-worn texture and intact silhouette The figure’s stylized form suggests Parisian influence from the interwar period—possibly intended as a mascot or a decorative object of singular charm. A piece not bound by certainty, but by character. Its origins may be quiet—but its presence speaks volumes. Alfred’s image, with his dignified stance and tuxedoed form, became a symbol of charm, quiet loyalty, and refined humor. As stories go, one such Alfred even journeyed across the Atlantic with Charles Lindbergh, serving as a good luck charm on the Spirit of St. Louis. This figure, whether original or inspired, carries that spirit forward with a timeless presence. Provenance: This sculpture was acquired from a celebrated collection, curated by the design connoisseur Hans Ljungberg, whose eye for Art Deco and early 20th-century curiosities became legendary across Europe.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.09 in (18 cm)Width: 3.94 in (10 cm)Depth: 3.94 in (10 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Marble,Nickel,Cast,Enameled,Plated
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1920s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Bochum, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU980445729962

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