Naar Léon Leyritz (1888–1976) - Relief, Kubistisch Art Deco bas-reliëf uit 'Librairie des Arts Décoratifs, Parijs 1928' Sculptuur FEMME 60,5 - 33 cm - porcelain gypsum

This auction showcases a distinctive cubist Art Deco bas-relief, based on an original design by the French artist Léon Leyritz (1888–1976). Leyritz belonged to the leading French artists of the Art Deco period. He worked with a range of materials, including bronze and ceramics, and was active as a sculptor, painter, and stage decorator. In addition, he designed frescoes, bas-reliefs, and ceramic works, with theatrical and strongly stylized figures often forming a recurring theme.

The original relief is known thanks to a historical photographic plate, published in the rare portfolio 'Librairie des Arts Décoratifs (Paris, 1928)', a major publication documenting European decorative arts from 1920–1936. The original relief is considered lost and may have been destroyed during World War II.

The composition of the relief reflects the characteristic vocabulary of the late 1920s: faceted volumes, bold geometric lines, and a subtle play of light and shadow, together creating a dynamic and modernist image. The Cubist influences align with developments within French sculpture of that period and show kinship with the stylized, architectural designs of contemporaries such as Jan and Joël Martel. All of this makes the bas-relief a fine example of the transition from Cubist influences to the refined geometric aesthetics of French Art Deco and a compelling object for collectors of modern sculpture and decorative arts from the interwar period.

The object offered in this auction has been designed and crafted with the utmost care by Atelier Laurier Design. Based on the historical photograph, an extremely precise reconstruction has been realized, with every detail carefully modeled to reproduce as faithfully as possible the artistic quality and elegance of the original design. This reconstruction revives a once-lost work of art and makes it accessible to a new generation of art lovers and collectors.

The bas-relief is signed and numbered on the back. The accompanying certificate of provenance is also included. The relief is in excellent condition and will be carefully packaged and professionally shipped. The shipment is fully insured against loss or transport damage.

Dimensions: 60.5 x 33 x 3 cm
Material: porcelain gypsum
Weight: ca. 5 kg

* In a separate Catawiki auction we also offer the matching relief. Both reliefs were originally designed as a set and form a harmonious whole when combined. Bid in both auctions to complete this special Art Deco composition. The last eight photos provide an impression of both reliefs as a complete set.