GUIRAUD-RIVIÈRE, MAURICE

Maurice Guiraud-Rivière (French, 1881 ~ 1947) Maurice was born in Toulouse the 10 February 1881, he was a painter, draftsman, and sculptor. He was the nephew of the Theodore Rivière, and student of the National School of Fine Arts where he studied under the direction of Antonin Mercié master of his uncle and like them native of Toulouse. He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français French from 1907. Working during the Art Deco period many of his statuettes were cast in bronze or the mixture of both bronze and ivory. Mostly his works were focused on women, sports, aviation or automotive subjects. Amongst the famous pieces he produced were - La Comète, Thoughts, Stella, Nordica and Etoiles. The majority of his works were published by the Etling foundry who were very active in the edition of Art Deco bronzes, representing many sculptors of this artistic movement. Maurice Guiraud-Rivière is also known for producing car mascots and created some of the best known mascots during the golden age of this production (1919-1930). His mascots, always beautifully crafted, are now very sought after by collectors.