Elephant Bookends, by Ary Jean Léon Bitter
A pair of French Art Nouveau "elephant" bookends by, Ary Bitter of two elephants in motion depicting them scratching themselves against trees atop their original wood bases. The bookends are signed with a plaque, "Ary Bitter Sclp. Suess Freres Edrs. Paris."
circa 1910
Largest elephant: height: 11 in. x width/length: 7.25 in. x depth: 6.5 in.
Smallest elephant: height: 6.75 in. x width/length: 7.5 in x depth: 6.5 in.
Ary Jean Léon Bitter was born in Marseilles in 1883 was a well known French sculptor who specialized in sculptures with animals. His best known works date from about 1910 - 1930 of which many were influenced by the Art Nouveau period. He had exhibited at the Salon of French Artists from 1912 to 1939, honorable mention in 1910, bronze in 1913, silver in 1921 and gold in 1924. He was made a knight of the Legion d'Honneur in 1932. His work was cast by the Susse foundry in Paris.
Elephant Bookends, by Ary Jean Léon Bitter