Max Le Verrier is one of the most iconic sculptors of the French Art Deco movement. His stylized sculptures – from graceful dancers and powerful male figures to elegant animals and decorative lighting – embody the essence of the era. Today, they remain sought-after collector’s pieces and refined accents for interior design.
At artdeco1925.de, you’ll find a curated selection of original Max Le Verrier sculptures and authorized re-editions – all handcrafted in France with the utmost attention to detail and authenticity.
A Life Devoted to Art – The Story Behind Max Le Verrier
Born on January 29, 1891, in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris, Max Le Verrier was the son of a Parisian jeweler and a Belgian mother. During World War I, he served as a pilot. After the war, he returned to Paris in 1918 with little more than ambition – determined to dedicate his life to sculpture and the fine arts.
He rented a studio in the Rue du Théâtre and began working tirelessly. In 1919, he created his first sculpture in spelter (Régule): a stylized pelican. Signed under the pseudonym Artus, this piece was an immediate success and led to the founding of his own sculpture workshop the same year.
The Golden Age of French Art Deco
From the beginning, Le Verrier oversaw every part of the process himself – from design to casting, patina, and sales. His early work was inspired by animals observed in zoos and circuses. He soon expanded into female dancers, male athletes, bookends, decorative lighting, and car mascots like his elegant EOLA, a nod to Rolls-Royce’s famous “Emily”.
His Art Deco figurines – geometric, expressive, and modern – perfectly captured the spirit of the 1920s and 30s. In 1925, Le Verrier was awarded a Gold Medal at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris – the world’s fair that gave Art Deco its name.
By 1926, his studio had grown into a full-fledged company with trained artisans and sales representatives. The workshop also produced works for other prominent artists such as Pierre Le Faguays (Fayral, Guerbe), Bouraine, Mériadec, and Janle.
In 1933, Le Verrier acquired a property in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, uniting his workshop, showroom, and residence by 1938.
War, Rebirth, and Artistic Legacy
During World War II, the studio was looted by militia forces. But Le Verrier and his family rebuilt it after 1944. In this period, he created smaller animal sculptures, office accessories, ashtrays, and the Don Quixote figurine group.
Le Verrier remained active until the very end. Just three days before his death in 1973, he completed a small panther sculpture from his hospital bed. He was buried next to his longtime friend and fellow sculptor Pierre Le Faguays.
His son Jean-Paul took over the workshop. Since 1996, Le Verrier’s great-grandson Damien Blanchet Le Verrier continues the family tradition – crafting authentic French Art Deco sculptures using original molds and methods.
French Craftsmanship – How Each Sculpture Is Made
Each Le Verrier sculpture is handcrafted in Paris using traditional Art Deco-era techniques. Every step, from casting to patina, is carried out manually in the same workshop founded over a century ago.
Casting
Molten spelter is poured by hand into original 1920s molds – a crucial moment that shapes the character of each figure.
Chiseling and Assembly
With fine tools, every sculpture is refined, filed, polished, drilled, and soldered. Some pieces consist of up to seven parts, carefully fitted together.
Patination
Using acids, waxes, pigments, and heat, the surface is artistically finished. Each patina is unique – in shades of antique green, bronze, or deep black.
Mounting & Wiring
Sculptures are mounted on high-quality marble bases. Lamps are wired and tested to meet modern safety standards.
CLARTÉ – The Most Famous Max Le Verrier Sculpture
The best-known piece in Le Verrier’s portfolio is CLARTÉ: a stylized woman holding a luminous glass sphere overhead. Created in 1928, the sculpture reflects the elegance, modernity, and feminine power of the Art Deco era.
Le Verrier used three live models for this work – one for the head, one for the torso, and one for the legs. The lower body was modeled after an African American dancer who performed in shows by Josephine Baker.
Available in four sizes:
160 cm (life-size)
85 cm
65 cm (LUMINA)
38 cm (LUEUR LUMINEUSE)
For Collectors, Interior Designers & Lovers of Elegant Objects
Whether you’re looking to buy an authentic Art Deco sculpture, expand your collection with an original Max Le Verrier piece, or add timeless elegance to your home or office – at artdeco1925.de you’ll find rare originals and faithful re-editions.
Our sculptures are ideal for:
Art Deco collectors and design enthusiasts
Interior architects and decorators
Boutique hotels, historic properties, and luxury apartments
Thoughtful gifts for lovers of French craftsmanship
All items are verified and come directly from the Parisian workshop or trusted collections – shipped securely with certificate of authenticity.
Looking for a specific Max Le Verrier sculpture?
Many designs are limited, sold out quickly, or made only upon request.
If you’re looking for a particular Art Deco statue, a certain size, or a rare model that’s not listed in our shop – we’re happy to help.
Max Le Verrier is one of the most iconic sculptors of the French Art Deco movement. His stylized sculptures – from graceful dancers and powerful male figures to elegant animals and decorative lighting – embody the essence of the era. Today, they remain sought-after collector’s pieces and refined accents for interior design.
