Jan and Joël Martel Art Deco Modernist Bronze Bear Sculpture

Their work ranged from small decorative objects to major public commissions, including monumental sculpture and fountains. They created pieces in bronze, glass, marble, plaster, aluminum, and silver, using a wide variety of surfaces, finishes, and materials. Their work was represented at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, the landmark exhibition that gave the Art Deco movement its name.

This bronze bear captures their ability to reduce an animal to its most expressive and essential form. Rather than rendering the bear in a naturalistic manner, the sculpture emphasizes the elongated neck, pointed muzzle, rounded body, and simplified stance. The result is both whimsical and modern, with a strong sculptural silhouette and a distinctly Art Deco sense of abstraction.

The bronze has a classic dark patinated finish and is mounted on an integral square base. The subtle signature on the base is the Martel brothers’ distinctive monogram, a mark also seen on their studio letterhead. Compact, expressive, and highly recognizable in style, this is a wonderful example of French Art Deco animal sculpture.

A wealth of photos of the twins, from childhood and throughout their life can be found. Here are just a few:

Even their home and studio was emblematic of Art Deco Style, in a dynamic structure design by Robert Mallet-Stevens

Jan and Joel Martel signed all of their work "Martel", never distinguishing which twin created the work, as it really did not matter. They viewed the world and their artistic pursuits as one. They were born in 1896 and both died in 1966, Jan in an accident and Joel from illness. Their work lives on in many forms.