169 - GERMOUSSE - c. 1940–50

GERMOUSSE - c. 1940–50 By Hervé MORVAN (See: last photo) An extremely rare and imposing full-relief promotional statue for trade shows and exhibitions, crafted from polychrome cast aluminum. A handsome size at 93 cm tall. In good condition— Its original colors display a beautiful patina of age, with faded hues and some minor surface chipping from normal wear. Its cast aluminum structure remains sound and sturdy; there is evidence of a previous restoration involving rewelding at the shoulder of the raised right arm, which has been perfectly stabilized. The bottle and label are recent additions intended to enhance the figurine’s display. A piece of remarkable rarity: only two models have been historically documented to date, including the example presented here. This rare three-dimensional advertising statue depicts the iconic female character “Gertrude,” created in the mid-20th century to promote Germousse, the famous “germ-fighting” all-purpose detergent. This product originated from the Lyon factories of the Société Chimique de Gerland, a company founded in 1859 as a tar distillery. The company became the Société des Procédés Gentzsch in 1905, before adopting its final name in 1912 under the leadership of Joseph Courbier. The firm established itself as a leader in industrial chemistry, renowned for its rubber hoses, Gerflex flooring, and household products. Dressed in a blue dress and apron, she is distinguished by her black hair styled to resemble soap bubbles. Originally designed to top advertising vehicles or liven up trade shows so it could be seen from a distance, the figure raises her right arm in a pose intended to clasp a mock bottle of the brand’s product, which has been replaced here. The last photo, not included in the sale, is an integral part of the description and serves to illustrate the lot. Rhône/Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes AI-generated mood photo, for illustrative purposes only; only the original photos are authoritative. The sheet metal and the model (last two photos), not included in the sale, are presented as references to support the attribution to Hervé Morvan.