Roseberys are delighted to offer two stunning earthenware and enamel decorated plates by renowned artist Jean Cocteau. Dating from the 1950s and 60s, they were produced in collaboration with Marie Madeline Jolly and Philippe Madeline at their studio in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Fresh to the market from a private collection - Lot 15, the incredibly rare ‘Jeunesse Franco-Allemande’, no. 5 from an edition of 5 and Lot 15, Vertumnus (Dieu des jardins)’ no.11 from an edition of 40 – will be offered with respective estimates of £7,000-9,000 and £2,000-3,000.
Lot 15: Jean Cocteau, Jeunesse Franco Allemande, from an edition of 5, circa 1963
Lot 9, is a large and magnificent bronze by German sculptor Fritz Behn, dating from the first half of the 20th century. This imposing Jugendstil sculpture, modelled as a panther attacking a woman, comes with interesting provenance, having once belonged to George Paveliev Gibbes, adopted son of Charles Sydney Gibbes, tutor to the children of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia. This work comes to auction with a pre-sale estimate of £10,000-15,000.
Lot 9: Fritz Behn, Weib vom panther überfallen, first half 20th century
Lot 10 was designed in the early 50s for American furniture company M.Singer and Sons. These sleek and stylish lounge chairs and ottomans by Carlo de Carli rarely come up for auction this side of the Atlantic. In the early 1950s M.Singer & Sons approached influential Italian architect Gio Ponti to create a range of furniture for their American store, establishing a relationship which proved to be fruitful for both parties. Gio Ponti in turn brought in the likes of Carlo de Carli, Carlo Mollino and Ico Parisi to contribute further designs for M.Singer & Sons, and in doing so introduced the very best in Italian design to the North American market.
Lot 10: Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons,
Two model '114' lounge chairs and two model '143' ottomans
(one set slightly larger), circa 1950
Lot 2, by the British studio potter John Maltby, is a small stoneware sculpture which is nevertheless compelling in its strong sense of presence. In the late 90s John had a major heart operation which left him unable to knead heavy lumps of clay. He instead turned his hand to making small sculptures such as the present lot, created in a distinctive modern style based on a range of influences, including Primitivism, Picasso, and Klee.
Lot 2: John Maltby, Two figures and sculptural head, late 20th Century
Lot 12, is a grand and impressive illuminated wall mirror produced in the 1960s by renowned Murano glass maker Venini. This wonderful statement piece measures 163cm x 128cm and comprises a border of moulded and textured glass sections which can be lit from behind to dramatic effect. This item comes with a pre-sale estimate of £6,000-7000.
Lot 12: Venini, Large illuminated wall mirror, circa 1960
Also on offer is Lot 43, a scarce cameo glass vase produced circa 1900 by Emile Galle. In the ‘Cylene’ pattern, produced in multi layered, acid etched glass and modelled on the organic forms of the Silene Vulgaris plant. This exquisite design is rarely seen at auction and comes with a guide price of £800-1200.
Lot 43: Emile Gallé, ‘Cylene’ vase, circa 1904