José Martin for Sue and Mare. Head of a young Bacchus or faun. Original Art Deco plaster.

José Martin for Sue et Mare (Compagnie des Arts Décoratifs). Bust of a young Bacchus or Faun. Original plaster with a brown patina. Signed José Martin.

37 x 18 x 18 cm
Base: 17.5 x 13.5 cm. Good condition.
MARTIN, José (1891-1985)
Joseph Camille Martin was born on April 27, 1891, in Miéry (Jura). He moved to Paris to study at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1919, he became a designer with the Compagnie des Arts Français. Founded by Louis Sue and André Mare, the CAF was a leader in the Art Deco style and participated in the 1925 International Exposition in Paris. Martin collaborated with the painter/decorator Paul Vera. Martin's private work included assisting Antoine Sartorio in creating pediments for the Marseille Opera House and exterior decorations for the Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice. He also worked on the Alvear Monument for the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Martin also created a war memorial in Danjoutin (Territoire de Belfort), as well as a work dedicated to Louis Pasteur in the village of Arbois (Jura).

In 1928, Martin moved to the United States and worked for a time in Chicago. He then settled in Milwaukee, followed by a position at the Cowan Pottery Company in Cleveland, and later in New York City, where he worked on ceiling decorations for the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Returning to Chicago in 1932, he collaborated with Raoul Josset on a commission for a group of sculptures for the 1933 World's Fair, "A Century of Progress." He produced sculptures of Native American chiefs for the Lincoln Bridge in Vincennes, Indiana. Having acquired American citizenship, he settled in Dallas where he completed numerous public and private commissions. In 1946, he became a member of the Texas Artists Association and continued to decorate numerous hotels and restaurants until his death in 1985.

Ref: EP7FYSNUFL