Les Grenouilles, A Two-Handled Patinated Bronze Vase

Cast from a model by Joseph Chéret, circa 1895

Cast in high relief with a pond scene featuring a frog and water babies, inscribed Joseph Cheret and E. Soleau Edits Paris

14 ½ in (36.8 cm) high

Gustave Joseph Chéret (1838-1894), a sculptor and older 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. He started his career at the Salon of 1863, obtaining distinction in 1883 and 1886. Chéret was appointed a member of the Société Nationale des 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. This vase is one such example of the Art Nouveau style. Many vases and terracotta objects by Chéret are in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and a vase of the same design and shape is held in the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.