Pamono After Irénée Rochard, Art Deco Elephant, 1920s, Babbitt> Art Deco

Sculpture Elephant in metal Babbitt, Art Déco, pps. s. s. XX – France – After Irénée Rochard

Wonderful Art Deco elephant made in babbitt, the original metal used at the time, at the beginning of the 20th century, in the style of Irénée Rochard (1906 – 1984). with its rounded and faceted forms, this sculpture is based on the polygonal approach of Art Deco. Its volumetry flees from the rounded and inappreciable forms to be configured through the different planes, which are distinguished thanks to the visible edges. This elephant, therefore, represents the undulating rhythm of the convex and axial forms of the style, which was influenced by the geometrism of the historical Vanguards, as well as by Art Nouveau and the Bauhaus school.

Babbitt is an alloy of tin, lead, antimony and copper, which was developed in the early 20th century. The result is an anti-friction metal of enormous strength and brilliant finish. For their part, elephants in nature are majestic creatures that are identified by strong family ties and truly unique and persevering personalities in the face of adversity; and historically, they are a symbol of strength and intelligence. Thanks to all these attributes, elephants have become part of our lives through decor and traditions. In addition, the upward trunk, as in this case, brings good luck!

This iconography follows Japanese models of origami, as Art Deco was influenced by various styles, including the mid-nineteenth century japonisme, with a strong character and strong aesthetics that was reflected in all artistic manifestations.

About Irénée Rochard (1906 – 1984)

Irénée Rochard studied at the Schools of Fine Arts and Decorative Arts, from 1938 she was a member of the National Society of Fine Arts. Between wars, she was close to other animal sculptors, such as François Pompon and Édouard-Marcel Sandoz. He sculpted hundreds of animals in Art Deco style using ceramics, wood, granite and marble, but especially bronze.

Tusks made of ivory-colored resin, one of them recently restored.

The tail of the pachyderm is fractured.

Approximate weight 20kg. Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 23 cm.