Sculpture by Raymond Leon Godard

This spelter sculpture by Godard depicts a seated young woman gracefully extending her hand to a seemingly tame pheasant. The sculpture rests on a black marble base with brown veins, highlighting the artist's finesse. The scene evokes harmony between humankind and nature, a recurring theme in Art Deco, the movement to which this work belongs.

The woman is depicted with great elegance, wearing a wavy bob haircut typical of the 1920s and 1930s. Her posture is relaxed, one leg bent beneath her, the other extended, conveying a serene and contemplative attitude. Her light clothing delicately hugs her body, adding to the fluidity and sensuality of the composition. The pheasant, meanwhile, is sculpted with great attention to detail, particularly in the finesse of its feathers and the natural curve of its long plumage.

The artist Raymond Léon Godard, active in the early 20th century, is known for his refined and poetic sculptures, often depicting graceful female figures, sometimes accompanied by animals. His work is in keeping with the great sculptors of Art Deco, seeking to capture beauty and elegance in pure and balanced forms. His works in spelter, sometimes with a bronze or polychrome patina, were frequently mounted on marble or onyx bases, lending a precious and luxurious touch to his creations.

This sculpture perfectly illustrates the spirit of his time: a blend of classical idealization and modernity in the treatment of forms. The interaction between the woman and the bird conveys a certain softness and delicacy, enhanced by the meticulous finishing of the spelter and the interplay of patinas, which lend depth and realism to the scene. It demonstrates Godard's remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail, making this work a fine example of decorative sculpture from the Roaring Twenties.

 

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