Mask - Roland Paris (1894-1945) - Germany - 1930-1940 - King of Fools - Art Deco

Very rare hand-carved and hand-chiselled wall mask, designed by the renowned Art Deco artist Roland Paris (1894–1945). Polychromed in multiple colours: red, gold, grey and flesh tone

Roland Paris was the second of five children in a family with a great passion for art and culture. Both parents were active as writers, one brother was a singer and actor, and one sister worked with batik. It is therefore no surprise that Roland discovered his love of visual art at a young age. From 1909, he studied applied art and sculpture in Weimar and Munich, until he was called up for military service. After returning from the First World War, he moved to Berlin in 1919. In 1924, he married Elisabeth Lisl Austen (born in 1897), who performed as a dancer at the Theater des Westens. He subsequently found inspiration in the world of theatre and dance. However, his caricature-like, exaggerated figures bear either his own facial features or those of his wife. Most of his designs were produced in bronze or chryselephantine by the Ernst Kraas art foundry in Berlin, although porcelain versions and rare wood carvings from this period are also known. Paris was also a prolific graphic artist and caricaturist, and left behind a volume of poetry illustrated by himself. Shortly before the end of the Second World War, he was killed during an air raid near Swinemünde.

Throughout his life, he was fascinated by jesters in all their forms.

Literature: Albert Shayo, Roland Paris: The Art Deco Jester, p. 128.

Condition: good. The wood has a shrinkage crack at the top, behind the crown. It is not visible from the front due to its location. One shrinkage crack on the side of the crown and one chip on the central point of the crown. See detail photos.

Will be sent by registered mail.