Marcel Bouraine (1886–1948) – “mother And Child” – Major Art Deco Terracotta Sculpture

Marcel Bouraine (1886–1948) – “Mother and Child” – Important Art Deco terracotta – Produced by Susse Frères – Circa 1930

An elegant terracotta sculpture by Marcel André Bouraine (1886–1948), depicting a young woman reclining beside a child in a composition of great tenderness, characteristic of the Art Deco aesthetic of the 1930s.

The young woman, with a bare torso and delicately wavy hair, strikes a graceful and sensual pose. Her outstretched arm reaches toward the hand of the child seated beside her, creating a silent dialogue imbued with tenderness and intimacy.

The composition is distinguished by the harmonious elongation of its lines, the suppleness of its modeling, and the refined rendering of the faces. The simplicity of the poses, combined with the delicacy of the gestures, gives this work a presence that is both intimate and monumental.

The terracotta has a beautiful natural ochre hue that highlights the volumes and the finesse of the sculptural work.

The signature “M. Bouraine” is incised on the pedestal, accompanied by a circular publisher’s stamp, similar to that of Susse Frères in Paris.

Marcel André Bouraine (1886–1948)

Born in Pontoise in 1886 and died in Biot in 1948, Marcel Bouraine belonged to the generation of French sculptors who contributed to the influence of Art Deco during the interwar period.

Trained in the tradition of French sculpture, he exhibited notably at the Salon des Tuileries beginning in 1922 and at the Salon d’Automne.

Beginning in the mid-1920s, his work distinguished itself through a personal sculptural language that combined classical elegance, modern lines, and a pursuit of movement.

He collaborated with several prominent figures and leading houses in the decorative arts, notably Pierre Le Faguays, Max Le Verrier, and Gabriel Argy-Rousseau.

His creations, particularly prized for their female figures and allegorical compositions, reflect the refinement of French decorative sculpture in the 1920s and 1930s.

Susse Frères

Founded in Paris in the 19th century, Susse Frères occupies a major place in the history of art sculpture publishing.

Renowned for the quality of its castings and editions, it has contributed to the dissemination of works by numerous French sculptors.

The combination of Marcel Bouraine’s talent and this publisher’s expertise makes this group particularly appealing to collectors of Art Deco sculpture.

Characteristics

• Artist: Marcel André Bouraine (1886–1948)
• Title: Mother and Child, also associated with the “Venus and Cupid” model
• Date: circa 1930
• Style: Art Deco
• Material: terracotta with ochre patina
• Publisher: Susse Frères, Paris (stamp to be confirmed)
• Signature: M. Bouraine
• Length: 55 cm
• Height: 35 cm
• Depth: 22 cm
• Condition: very good condition, no cracks or restoration; dusting recommended

A particularly captivating composition, combining the grace of the female form with the tenderness of childhood, representative of the refinement of French Art Deco sculpture.