A Patinated and Gilt-Bronze Figural Dish

By Gustave Joseph Chéret, 1894

Signed Joseph Chéret and stamped 36 Copyright Paris E.S. (indistinct) 1894

11 ½ in (29.2 cm) wide

cf. E. Soleau, Bronzes et objets d'art: eclairage electrique, Oeuvres de Joseph Cheret, 1895, no.625

Gustave Joseph Chéret (1838-1894), a sculptor and younger brother of Jules Chéret, started studying sculpture when he was 13 years old. He later studied under Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Director of the Sèvres Manufactory, and succeeded him in 1887 as the artistic director. He started his career at the Salon of 1863, obtaining Distinction in 1883 and 1886. He was appointed a member of the Société Nationale de Beaux-Arts in 1894. He designed numerous models for the Cristallerie de Baccarat, as well as a few architectural sculptures. A forerunner of the Art Nouveau movement, he created small sculptures, wall lamps and other objects. A collection of vases and terracotta objects by Chéret are in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.