Daum Cesar Baldaccini Argos Ashtray 1970 France Crystal Midcentury Sculpture

An abstract compressed clear resin sculpture on a yellow resin base suggesting a female derrière shape. Signed by the artist.

A great 1920 Swedish Art Deco decorative bronze ashtray with tiny candle holder done in a darkened patina. The design is of a woman holding a basket. Signed.

An original sleek 1960s polished steel and blue/violet enamel bowl by the famed Italian Studio of Del Campo. Signed

A French 1970s Gold and bronze clam shell center peice sculpture with three large quartz and amethyst crystal clusters. Signed Biography: Claude Boeltz was born in Paris in 1937. The fourth generation in a line of artists, from his early childhood Boeltz was interested in disciplines as far ranging as sculpture, painting, ceramics, architecture, and blacksmithing. From the very start he was fascinated by what would become life long inspirations—anatomy and geology. His first apprenticeship was with the sculptor Henri Molins, which was followed by apprenticeships at the prominent Susse and Houdot foundries. His last was with Soudoun, under whose tutelage he was honored with the national “Best Worker in France” award. During these apprenticeships Boeltz took night classes at the Boule School, the Gambetta School, and at the Academy of Art in Paris. He would eventually take degrees from all three. On Sundays he went to museums, particularly the Louvre, where he sought out work in the Louis XIII - Louis XVI styles. He also spent long hours in study of the many artists he admired, such as Bersus, Meunier, Giacometti, Ponpon, Chipparus, Dali, Dajou, and Ruhlman. After these apprenticeships he tried to establish himself in the Riviera, where he befriended, and briefly collaborated with Picasso. Boeltz’s time in this vibrant community was, however, cut short—in the early 1960s he was called into the French military. While on tour in the Sahara he carved miniatures, and would carry them in his baggage from base to base. One that survived—a replica of the Arc d’triumph—was later offered to President Eisenhower on behalf of the French Army. Upon leaving the service Boeltz established a foundry in the Loire, and by the late 1960s his work, now enormously popular, was shown all over Europe. In the early 1970s he met the sculptor Cesar. The famous sculptor’s “compression” pieces inspired Boeltz to create the work for which he would soon become best known. Boeltz’s “exploded” bronze works were pieces plated with 24 karat gold made to look like liquid gold crystalized an instant after explosion. Boeltz augmented this unique medium with vibrant details, often with African emeralds, but with other stones or unusual materials as well. In his famous Cleopatra, dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor and installed in Georve V hotel in Paris, the artist employed metacrylite as a base and for its veil. The immediate success of these “exploded” works allowed Boeltz to build two foundries devoted largely to their creation, one in the Faubourg St. Honore’ in Paris, and the other in Fontenay Sous Bois. “Exploded” works from the foundries were presented and sold at Fred’s Jewelers...

A beautiful and substantial light blue French crystal bowl or ashtray, organic modern design, from luxury Maison, Daum, France, circa mid-20th cent...

1970s Astonishing rare ashtray or catch-all by Daum Nancy in crystal. Made in France No chips or other, this item is perfect in excellent condition. The design of this piece is amazi...

Absolutely gorgeous mid-century French crystal cigar ashtray, circa 1960s. Not only versatile as a vide-poche or trinket dish but stylish and beautiful. Clean modernist lines that w...

Elegant crystal ashtray from the 1970s. Square shape with a slightly elevated design. In good condition.