An important pair of early 20th century French Art Nouveau gilt and cast bronze sculptures titled "La Mer' by, Francios Raoul Larche depicting mermaids emerging from the sea each embracing a conch shell Each are period sand castings finished in a ilt bronze patina. circa 1905
Signatures:
Both Sculptures are each signed & impressed "Raoul Larche", each with impressed foundry marks 'Siot Decauville Paris Fondeur" one side piece is impressed "B747"; the second side piece is impressed "B748"
Measurements:
Side Piece: height: 16..25 in. x width: 8.5 in.
Side Piece: height: 16.25 in. x width: 8.5 in.
Literature:
Philippe Dahhan, Étains 1900, 200 Sculpteurs de la Belle Époque, Paris, 2000, p. 229 Notes: Similar example sold at Sotheby's New York, The John and Katsy Mecom Collection, Part II, 26 November 1993, lot 28