French Decorative Animalism

During the 1970`s animal themes were popular in French Decorative Arts. Realistic & surreal animal images of brass, gold, agate, rare stones and other precious materials reflected the wealth & anxiety of the period. Leon Francois Chervet designs to the left reflect naturalistic lighting & furniture with an Egyptian feel.

France`s Art Noveaux style was heavy influenced by nature. However it was some time later when animal references in actual furniture emerged in the work of Parisian designer Jean-Charles Moreux (1889–1956). Moreaux`s 1930`s surrealist style mixed eclectic & classic with fantasy and radical modernism. His `animal` designs included lamps on a base made from a fossil and classical tables on bear paw legs. Perhaps more controversial was his bar made out of real elephant leg. Not surprisingly his work was adopted by surrealists in Paris.

In a similar manner 1970`s artist and furniture designer Jacques Duval-Brasseur portrayed insects, fish, horns & skulls. Artists Claude & Francois-Xavier Lalanne created fun surrealist furniture while Maria Pergay combined animals with Futurism.

Animal-inspired works particularly those of the 70`s are just as relevant today communicating something more profound than just nostalgia. At Roomscape we are fascinated by French Decorative Animalism and occasionally feature pieces in our monthly email of all new arrivals. Join the list to receive this here .