On October 23, 2024, PIASA will auction an exceptional piece by Albert Cheuret: a magnificent console in patinated bronze and marble, entitled "Aux hérons". This work perfectly embodies the artist's universe, where wild nature and animal forms blend in a subtle balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Albert Cheuret (1884-1966), a prominent artist of the Art Deco period, had the ability to capture the essence of nature in his creations, elevating it through refined lines and noble materials. Fascinated by wild fauna, Cheuret stands out for his unique approach, transforming everyday objects into true works of art. His talent lay in his ability to associate animal forms with functional decorative elements, creating an inseparable link between nature and art.
The console "Aux hérons" is a perfect illustration of this. The elegant herons in patinated bronze that adorn this piece symbolize grace and freedom. The choice of the bird, often associated with the tranquility of marshes and still waters, reflects Cheuret's attention to animals in motion, captured in both realistic and stylized poses. Here, the herons seem frozen in time, suspended between strength and delicacy.
Albert Cheuret (1884-1966)
‘Aux hérons’ Console
Estimate: 120000 / 180000 €
Bronze, Cheuret’s preferred material, gives the work durability and permanence, while the carefully applied patina lends the birds a subtle shine, enhancing the living and organic quality of the composition. The marble top, meanwhile, adds a touch of refinement and luxury to the piece, contrasting with the raw, untamed texture of the herons. This harmonious marriage of natural materials showcases Cheuret’s technical and artistic mastery.
Cheuret is part of a generation of artists who successfully integrated nature into the decorative arts, at a time when the industrial world was dramatically changing humanity's relationship with the environment. In his works, nature is not merely a source of inspiration, but it is exalted, giving birth to objects of timeless beauty. He thus aligns with fellow Art Deco artists like Lalique or Bugatti, who were able to blend modernity and tradition by drawing from the animal repertoire.
The "Aux hérons" console is an ode to wild beauty, both functional and poetic, where every detail reflects the artist's love for nature. This piece, which will be auctioned at PIASA’s upcoming sale, represents not only a significant milestone in the history of decorative arts but also a tribute to the unique vision of an artist for whom art was meant to exalt the splendor of nature.
Through this sale, art lovers will have the rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional piece, a fragment of the wild world tamed by the talent of Albert Cheuret, where the beauty of wildlife finds its most refined expression in bronze and marble.
