Max Le Verrier was a French sculptor, designer, and industrialist who gained great fame during the Art Deco period of the early 20th century. His innovative designs during this time period helped solidify his place in the history of modern art.
Le Verrier was born on March 31, 1891, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He was the son of a family of industrialists and had a passion for art from an early age. After finishing high school, he attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied drawing, painting, and sculpture.
In 1910, Le Verrier began working in his father’s factory, producing decorative objects in bronze, copper, and nickel. It was here that he began experimenting with different techniques for casting metals, which would later prove to be a major influence on his sculptural work.
During World War I, Le Verrier served in the French army. After the war, he returned to his father’s factory and began producing decorative objects for the growing Art Deco market. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative designs, which included everything from lamps and vases to figurines and sculptures.
One of Le Verrier’s most famous designs was the Art Deco figure “Panthère au Repose,” which he created in 1925. This stunning bronze sculpture depicts a reclining panther with its tail curled around its body. The piece was a favorite of the Art Deco collector Jacques Doucet and has since become a celebrated symbol of the period.
Le Verrier also collaborated with many of the leading artists and designers of the Art Deco era, including Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Jules Leleu, and Paul Poiret. His work can be seen in many of the great Art Deco interiors of the time, including the Palace of Versailles, the Majorelle Villa in Morocco, and the Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice.
During World War II, Le Verrier continued to produce sculptures and decorative objects, but he was also actively involved in the French Resistance. He used his factory as a base for resistance operations, providing weapons and shelter for Resistance fighters.
After the war, Le Verrier continued to work as a sculptor and industrial designer, producing such pieces as the “Miguel” lamp and the “Elle” ashtray. He remained active in the French art world until his death in 1973, leaving behind a legacy of innovative designs and stunning sculptures.
Today, Le Verrier’s work can be found in collections around the world, including at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. His pieces continue to inspire artists, designers, and collectors alike, and remain an important part of the history of modern art.
