Maurice Guiraud Rivière Art Deco Bronze Cowboy Rodeo Sculpture, Etling Paris

The bronze is signed Guiraud Rivière and inscribed Etling, indicating the important Paris edition associated with some of the finest Art Deco sculpture of the period. The casting is beautifully finished, with strong chasing throughout the cowboy’s clothing, hat, saddle, and the muscular form of the horse. The brown patina gives the sculpture warmth and depth, while the base adds a solid architectural foundation.

Guiraud Rivière is admired for his ability to bring modern movement into bronze. His subjects often suggest speed, adventure, sport, and the excitement of the Machine Age. This rodeo subject is especially unusual, joining a classic American image with the refinement of French Art Deco sculpture. His work is also represented in Bryan Catley’s important reference book, Art Deco and Other Figures.

Maurice Guiraud-Rivière, born in Toulouse 1881-1947.

A painter, draftsman, and French sculptor. Théodore Rivière sculptor's nephew, he was a pupil of the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts where he studied under the direction of Antonin Mercié master of his uncle, and, like them, a native of Toulouse. Exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français from 1907, and also at the Salon des Humoristes. Art Deco sculptor, and author of many figures (bronze or chryselephantine) mainly on the themes of women, sports, aviation, or the automobile. Most of his works were published by Etling, which, founded in 1909, was very active in the edition of Art Deco bronzes and represented many sculptors of this artistic movement including Demetre Chiparus. Maurice Guiraud-Rivière is also known for his car mascots. He is one of the sculptors who created some of the most beautiful mascots known during the heyday of this production (1919 to 1930). His mascots, always very well made, are currently highly sought after by collectors. He was also the author of models for the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres between 1911 and 1923.

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