A French Art Deco Sculptor
Max Le Verrier, whose full name was Louis Octave Maxime Le Verrier, was born on 29 January 1891 in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris. He ranks among the important French sculptors and publishers of sculpture of the Art Deco period.
His female figures, animal sculptures, lamps and decorative objects are widely known today. His work embodies, in a distinctive way, the elegance of French Art Deco of the 1920s and 1930s.
Max Le Verrier was the son of a Parisian goldsmith and jeweller. From an early age, he showed considerable talent for drawing and design.
During the First World War, he served as a pilot. He was later taken prisoner. Following his captivity, he reached Switzerland.
He subsequently studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Geneva. There, he met the sculptors Pierre Le Faguays and Marcel Bouraine. The three artists remained closely connected thereafter. They also worked within a similar artistic milieu.
The Return to Paris
After the war, Max Le Verrier returned to Paris. From that point onwards, he devoted himself entirely to sculpture.
During the 1920s, he created numerous sculptures. He also designed lamps and various decorative objects.
His studio, however, did not produce only his own designs. He also manufactured and published works by other French artists.
Pierre Le Faguays and Marcel Bouraine also collaborated with his studio. Through this activity, Max Le Verrier became an important figure in decorative sculpture in Paris.
Success at the Paris Exhibition of 1925
Max Le Verrier achieved considerable success at the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” held in Paris in 1925.
This exhibition played an important role in the history of Art Deco. Indeed, it contributed significantly to making the new style internationally known.
Max Le Verrier presented several of his works there. He also received a gold medal for his work.
Following this success, his reputation grew rapidly. His works became known both in France and abroad.
The Style of Max Le Verrier
Max Le Verrier’s sculptures often display clean, elegant forms.
His figures generally appear athletic and highly stylised. Their poses also convey a sense of movement.
His sculptures thus express strength, elegance and lightness simultaneously.
This aesthetic particularly reflects the modern spirit of the interwar period. It also represents the new design language that shaped French Art Deco.
