Dreweatts 1759 | Modern Design & Decorative Art

Dreweatts

Donnington Priory

Newbury, Berkshire

RG14 2JE

United Kingdom

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21 Nov 2024 10:30 GMT

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λ† LUCY MCKENZIE & BECA LISPCOMBE (ATELIER E.B); 'CIPOLINO-HYRO' SCREEN, 2013

Lot 10

ELIZABETH GAROUSTE AND MATTIA BONETTI; PAIR OF 'S&M' ARMCHAIRS; MID 1990s

Lot 13

RENÉ LALIQUE (FRENCH, 1860-1945); 'GAILLON' CEILING LIGHT OR PLAFONNIER; DESIGNED 1927; PRE-1945

Lot 70

PHILIP WEBB (1831-1915); FOR MORRIS & CO. 'SUNFLOWER' TABLE; CIRCA 1880

Lot 143

λ MATTHEW CHAMBERS (BRITISH, B. 1982); 'PEBBLE GROUP'; 2010

Lot 165

Featured lot Provisionally sold Leading Won Outbid Lost Declined Reserve not met Leading

Y IN THE MANNER OF JOSEF LORENZL; 'MANDOLIN PLAYER' ART DECO FIGURE; CIRCA 1930

57

Quantity

1

850 GBP

Opening bid

850 GBP

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Estimate

600 - 800 GBP

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Auction date(s): 21 Nov

Lot location: Newbury, Berkshire

Featured lot Provisionally sold Leading Won Outbid Lost Declined Reserve not met Leading

PIERRE LE FAGUAYS (FRENCH, 1892-1962); AN ART DECO SCULPTURE OF OF A MALE ATHLETE; CIRCA 1930

67

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1

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800 GBP

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Estimate

1,000 - 1,500 GBP

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Auction date(s): 21 Nov

Lot location: Newbury, Berkshire

Featured lot Provisionally sold Leading Won Outbid Lost Declined Reserve not met Leading

MAURICE GUIRAUD-RIVIÈRE (FRENCH 1881-1947) 'ENIGMA' FIGURAL SCULPTURE; 1926

69

Quantity

1

0 GBP

Opening bid

5,000 GBP

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Estimate

6,000 - 8,000 GBP

MAURICE GUIRAUD-RIVIÈRE (FRENCH 1881-1947) 'ENIGMA' FIGURAL SCULPTURE; 1926 White marble, on 'Verde Alpi' marble base Engraved artist's signature 'M.GUIRAUD-RIVIÈRE' to white marble; engraved and gilded date '22 MAI 1926' to marble base 40cm high Provenance: Christie's, 'Design', 16 October 2019, lot 250 This striking marble sculpture Enigma by Maurice Guiraud-Rivière, created in 1926, exemplifies the artist's mastery of the Art Deco style. Using white marble and mounted on a Verde Alpi marble base, this piece captures the stylised forms and timeless elegance of the sculptor's oeuvre. Guiraud Rivière was wildly celebrated for his figurative sculptures that explored themes of modernity, movement and feminine grace. Enigma showcases his sculptural approach which combines classical influences with the streamlined aesthetic of the 1920s. The figure's bobbed hairstyle and relaxed, contemplative pose, reflects the contemporary ideals of female beauty and sophistication; she embodies the 'modern woman' of the Jazz Age. Enigma as a title, aptly underscores the sculpture's ambiguous and intriguing quality. Her hand, extended in a subtle gesture evokes a sense of mystery and introspection. Viewers are therefore invited to wonder the subject's thoughts and feeling which in turn adds a mystery that is central to the piece's allure. Subtle blending of geometric abstraction and realistic form is characteristic of the designer's technique that manages to bridge the gap between traditional sculpture and the bold new aesthetics of the Art Deco movement. The use of high-quality white marble contrasted with the darker Verde Alpi marble base, adds a layer of visual tension to the piece. This, combined with the textural juxtaposition posed by the different types of marble further enhances the sculpture's dynamic qualities. Art Deco reflected the optimism and exciting technological advancements of the early 20 th century. Materials such as marble, chrome, and glass signalled a departure from the ornate, naturalistic designs of Art Nouveau, in favour of a more futuristic and streamlined aesthetic. As a symbol of Art Deco elegance and modernity, Enigma remains a testament to Maurice Guiraud-Rivière's lasting impact on the decorative arts.

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Auction date(s): 21 Nov

Lot location: Newbury, Berkshire