Art Nouveau Vase In Polychrome Terracotta, “la Pieuvre” Model, By Alfred Jean Foretay (1861–1944)
This spectacular collector’s piece bears the artist’s signature, engraved in intaglio at its base: “A. Foretay Paris.”
The body of the vase takes the organic form of a churning wave with a particularly turbulent and dynamic relief.
The entire composition depicts a dramatic and allegorical struggle between man and the forces of nature.
An athletic, naked young man straddles the neck of the vase with striking muscular tension.
His face expresses concentration and effort as he faces the fury of the waves and the creature.
Further downstream, a female figure emerges delicately from the sculpted sea foam.
She is attempting to escape the grip of the powerful tentacles of an octopus concealed on the other side of the vase.
The anatomical rendering of the bodies attests to the exceptional academic mastery of this Swiss-French sculptor.
Alfred Jean Foretay was born in Switzerland and moved to Paris at the age of sixteen to further his artistic training.
He became a student of the famous master Alexandre Falguière at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
His precocious talent allowed him to exhibit regularly at the prestigious Salon des Artistes Français.
The institution awarded him an honorable mention in 1891 and then a prestigious gold medal in 1904.
Foretay established himself as a leading figure of the Art Nouveau movement and the Belle Époque.
His creations are recognized worldwide for their sinuous lines, sensuality, and naturalistic themes.
This vase perfectly embodies this aesthetic, in which utilitarian function gives way to artistic expression.
The terracotta features its original polychrome patina with subtle shades of antique green and earthy brown.
These chromatic variations accentuate the depth of the waves and the rocky texture of the composition.
The light beautifully highlights the rugged reliefs and the meticulous details of the figures.
At the base of the structure, a fish with its mouth open completes the fantastical iconography of the seabed.
This large-scale work is in very good overall condition.
Its structure shows no major cracks or hidden modern restorations.
To be entirely precise, there are just two tiny, purely cosmetic surface chips.
These very slight signs of wear in no way detract from the clarity or overall aesthetic appeal of this century-old piece.
This is a rare opportunity for discerning collectors of Art Nouveau ceramics and sculptures.
This highly decorative vase will take pride of place with elegance in either a classic or contemporary interior. Technical specifications and dimensions of the object:
- Material: Patinated terracotta
- Artist: Alfred Jean Foretay (Paris)
- Period: Circa 1900 (Art Nouveau period)
- Height: 43.5 cm
- Width: 24 cm
- Depth: 21 cm
- Condition: Very good condition (two tiny chips noted)
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PLEASE NOTE! IF THIS PIECE OF FURNITURE OR ITEM CANNOT BE SHIPPED BY MAIL, THEN for home deliveries handled by our carriers, please feel free to request a quote!Period: 19th century
Style: Art Nouveau
Condition: Good condition
Material: Terracotta
Width: 24 cm
Height: 43.5 cm
Depth: 21 cm
Reference (ID): 1844467
Availability: In stock
