"mermoz," Lucien Gibert (1904–1988)

Bronze sculpture depicting Jean Mermoz (1901–1936). This sculpture is signed on the left shoulder: L. Gibert.

The bust of Mermoz portrays a determined, strong-willed man. Furthermore, the movement of the hair and the overall appearance of the piece are entirely in keeping with the Art Deco style.

The bronze is sand-cast and covered with a patina in shades of green and brown, with a high sheen. The piece is screwed onto a hollow base made of black marble.

Dimensions: height: sculpture: 39 cm; with base: 53 cm. Width: sculpture: approximately 35, base: 21.5 cm. Depth: sculpture: approximately 24 cm, base: 13.5 cm. Weight: 21 kg.

The Artist: Lucien Gibert (1904–1988) was a French sculptor who trained in his father’s cabinetmaker’s workshop, then at the École des Beaux-Arts in Saint-Étienne and at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, in Jean Boucher’s studio. He later worked under the guidance of Charles Despiau, who steered him toward a less conventional style.

Faithful to the human form and deeply influenced by Aristide Maillol, Gibert initially worked in direct carving on wood, stone, and marble. Beginning in 1923, he exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français and the Salon des Indépendants.

He received the gold medal at the 1937 World’s Fair.

He completed numerous government commissions and also designed more than two hundred medals for the Monnaie de Paris, an institution of which he served as director.

He was named a Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1950, then promoted to Officer of the same order, and made a Commander of the National Order of Merit.

The Subject:Lucien Gibert depicted Jean Mermoz (1901–1936) because Mermoz was a true heroic figure of his time: a great pioneer of French aviation, particularly on the Aéropostale routes, who had become a modern hero, comparable to explorers or soldiers who died for their country. He perfectly embodied the daring and spirit of adventure that Gibert loved to highlight.