Art Deco Sculptural Bookends by Max Le Verrier, Paris, France, 1925, Set of 2

These two French bookends are works by Max Le Verrier (1891-1973), a Parisian sculptor and founder who pioneered Art Deco. They depict a pair of seated nude female figures intent on reading a book. The sculptures are made of régule (spelter) with a distinctive dark green patina, typical of Le Verrier's work. The women have stylized, sinuous bodies, with fluid, geometric lines that evoke modernist elegance; their hair is gathered in a low bun, and their faces are serene, focused on reading. Each figure sits on a geometric pedestal decorated with Art Deco angular motifs. The bases are made of black portor marble with colorful veining, which contrasts beautifully with the green of the patina. The two figures are mirrored, one facing left and the other right, to perfectly serve as bookends. This model, known as "Délassement" (Relaxation), dates back to the 1930s. It expresses the theme of intellectual relaxation through ideal nudity and a contemplative pose. Le Verrier was renowned for his high-quality castings and his collaborations with other artists of the time. These pieces embody the essence of French Art Deco: modernity, refinement, and discreet sensuality.