Art & Statues
Joe Descomps (Signed “Guirande”) Bronze “Garland Bearers” Sculpture, French Art Deco, Paris 1925 Style
Joe Descomps (Signed “Guirande”) Bronze “Garland Bearers” Sculpture, French Art Deco, Paris 1925 Style
This rare and exquisitely cast French Art Deco bronze sculpture, signed “Guirande”—the pseudonym of celebrated sculptor and jeweler Joe Descomps—depicts two elegant female figures draped in flowing robes, each holding a lush garland of sculpted roses. Executed in a rich, original patinated bronze, the sculpture captures the refined aesthetic of the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, where Descomps’ fusion of natural motifs and stylized form perfectly aligned with the movement’s ideals.
This piece exemplifies the Art Deco fascination with the female form, opulence, and natural abundance. The long, rhythmic lines of the women's drapery, their poised profiles, and the densely layered garlands of roses all reflect Descomps’ background as a master jeweler, where attention to fine surface texture and ornamental beauty was paramount. The sheer abundance of floral detail gives the piece an almost theatrical quality, reminiscent of decorative panels and presentation pieces shown at the Paris 1925 fair.
Joe Descomps (1869–1950) began his career as a jeweler, training under Falguière and metal engraver H. Hiolin. He became a member of the Société des Artistes Français in 1883 and gained recognition for his sculptural jewelry, often featuring female figures and botanical themes. Throughout the early 20th century, Descomps exhibited both jewelry and sculpture at salons and world’s fairs, including the famed 1908 “Precious Head Ornaments” show at the Musée Galliera. While he continued to work in jewelry, his later years were increasingly dedicated to bronze sculpture—often signed “Guirande”—which carried forward his characteristic blend of sensuality, symbolism, and craftsmanship.
This work, dated circa 1925–1930, stands as a true collectible of the period. The original untouched patina adds historical authenticity, and the casting is of exceptional quality—likely the product of one of the finer Parisian foundries associated with Descomps’ circle.
The fact that the sculpture is made of bronze and has an original patina is also significant. Bronze is a durable and long-lasting material that has been used for centuries in sculpture-making. A patina is the natural aging and discoloration of the bronze over time, which can add to its aesthetic appeal and historical value.