335 - André Vincent Becquerel (French, 1893–1981)

André Vincent Becquerel (French, 1893–1981) Two Panthers, a model created around 1925–1930 Bronze. Signed on the pedestal. Height 17.5, Length 40, Width 9.3 cm. On a marble base, Height 21, Length 39, Width 11 cm. Trained by the sculptors Prosper Lecouturier and Charles Valton, André-Vincent Becquerel made his debut at the Salon des Artistes in 1914 and rose to fame at the 1937 exhibition with the display of his monumental plaster sculpture *La jeune fille aux colombes*. Felines were one of his favorite subjects, whether captured in mid-motion, on the prowl, or in a moment of tenderness, as seen here. Even when stylized, these two panthers retain a far more naturalistic appearance than the works of other contemporary animal sculptors. Primarily produced by the foundries Susse and Jules Lehmann, Becquerel himself created a number of pieces accompanied by a certificate stating “chiseled by the artist,” a sign of his desire to produce his own creations during the interwar period. The absence of a foundry mark on this bronze suggests that it was likely cast by the sculptor himself.