Maximilien Fiot (1886-1953) Panthers in love - Édition Susse Frères

About this piece

Lost-wax cast bronze of a pair of panthers, with one affectionately licking the other's head. Maximilian Fiot has depicted these panthers with such beauty and tenderness, showcasing remarkable expression.

This bronze sculpture was presented at the Salon des Artistes Française in Paris in 1933, in a larger size (h. 43 cm). It has since become a beloved piece among connoisseurs for its exceptional quality, cast and released in a small edition by Susse Frères Paris. This smaller version (h. 14.5 cm) is quite rare.

The bronze is patinated in a brown and silver finish. The more the sculpture is polished, the more the silver emerges, while the brown patina remains visible.

The sculpture is signed 'M. Fiot', 'Susse Frères Edts. Paris', and 'Cire perdue'.

Biography:
Maximilian Fiot (1886-1953)
Maximilian Fiot was a renowned French animalier sculptor, born on August 14, 1886, in Paris. His artworks, primarily bronze sculptures of animals, are known for their detailed craftsmanship and expressive power.

Fiot began his artistic career at a young age and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, among others under sculptor Prosper Lecourtier, where he delved into classical sculpture. He was heavily influenced by the naturalistic movement and was determined to capture the true essence and emotion of animals in his works.

Throughout his life, Fiot exhibited regularly. He began showcasing his work at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1908 and was repeatedly awarded for his pieces, quickly gaining recognition in the art world. His sculptures were appreciated for their realism but also for the deep emotional resonance he infused into his works. His sculptures exude incredible vivacity and movement, as if the animals could come to life at any moment.

His body of work mainly comprises birds, horses, wild animals, and notably dogs (including a beautiful bust of his own dog Glaneuse, who always accompanied him and was his closest friend and favourite model). He primarily worked with plaster or terracotta, with his bronzes usually cast by the renowned foundry Susse Frères. He lived and worked in Paris and also participated in the World Exhibition in 1937.

Maximilian Fiot passed away on March 15, 1953, in Paris, but his legacy lives on through his exquisite sculptures that continue to be appreciated and collected worldwide by art enthusiasts and collectors.

Literature:
- "Le Figaro artistique illustré" - nummero Juillet / Aout 1933 (article)
- Jean-Charles Hachet, Dictionnaire illustré des Sculpteurs & Fondeurs de l'Antiquité á nos jours "Volume l & ll., Argus Valentines, limited edition 2005. Volume I: p.326-327, Volume ll: 717 and image on page 718.
- Thierry Roche, 'Dictionnaire biographique des sculpteurs des années 1920-30', Édition Beau-Fixe, 2007. P. 171-172.

Condition

Good