Lot 147: c - Alexandre Vibert French, d. 1909 , A Medieval Lady Ivory and gilt bronze inset with semi-precious stones, on red marble basse

signed: a. Vibert Ivory and gilt bronze inset with semi-precious stones, on red marble basse

measurements note 65cm., 25½in.

Alexandre Vibert was a pupil of Emmanuel Frémiet, and like Frémiet, he devoted a considerable part of his talents to the making of decorative objects. He was essentially an exponent of Art Deco and his sculptures, like his decorative objects, explore the decorative effects of varied colours and materials. In joining ivory with gilt bronze and glass gems he was working within the French vogue for chrystelephantine, or multi-colour and material sculpture, set by Jean-Léon Gérôme and Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier amongst others. The medieval costume of his subject with her ermine-hemmed gown and elaborate headdress refer to another trend in late nineteenth century: the revival of historical legends brought to life in the glory of a myriad decorative details. It is unclear which heroine Vibert represents in the present figure. Perhaps she is Petrarch's unattainable love Laure de Noves, of whom Vibert created a bust in ivory and bronze for the Salon in 1907.

RELATED LITERATURE
Lami, vol. IV, pp. 355-356; Dahhan, pp. 384-389