Bust Of A Child, Signed By José Martín (1891–1985); Art Deco-era Sculpture.

A plaster bust of a child with a terracotta-style patina, depicting a young boy or girl with curly hair.

The piece features a beautiful natural patina with earthy tones that highlights the delicacy of the facial features and the details of the hair.

The work bears the signature of French sculptor and decorator José Martín (born Joseph Camille Martin, 1891–1985).

This work dates primarily to the first half of the 20th century, more specifically to the Art Deco period (the 1920s and 1930s). It was during this time that the artist was most active in producing decorative statues and busts in Paris.

José Martín studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris before becoming, in 1919, a designer for the prestigious Compagnie des Arts Français (CAF), founded by the famous designers Louis Süe and André Mare. This company was one of the leading forces behind the Art Deco style at the 1925 International Exposition in Paris.

In addition to monumental decorative projects (such as his collaboration with Antoine Sartorio for the Marseille Opera House), José Martín excelled in the creation of limited-edition sculptures. His style here is characterized by a return to classical lines and great softness, while retaining a slight geometric stylization typical of the 1920s–1930s (particularly visible in the child’s sculpted hairstyle with large curls).

This bust is a fine example of the charming statuary of the interwar period, highly sought after by enthusiasts of neoclassical and Art Deco decor.