Maurice Guirard-Riviere (1881 – 1947)
La Comete
Silvered bronze
23 inches wide x 19 3/4 inches high x 5 1/2 inches wide on a
1 1/4h black marble base
Signed in the bronze Guiraud Riviere and stamped Etling, Paris

La Comète is a magnificent Art Deco sculptural image of a female nude modeled as a streamlined comet, her long hair trailing behind her as she flies through the clouds. The silvered bronze sculpture is heightened with parcel gilding and raised on a black marble base, signed Guirard-Riviere and inscribed with the foundry mark Etling Paris. The sculpture’s composition displays a great sense of dynamism and movement.

This iconic design was considered the height of modernity and an example of the model was placed in the reception of the famous Chrysler Building, New York from 1930 to 1942.

One of the most famous, iconic and most desirable Art Deco statues ever made.

Maurice Guiraud-Rivière was born in Toulouse February 10, 1881, died in 1947, and was a painter, draftsman, and sculptor.

He was a student at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts and Antonin Mercie also a native of Toulouse.

Exhibited at the Salon of French Artists from 1907, and also at the Salon des comedians.

Art Deco sculptor, author of numerous statues (bronze or type chryselephantine) mainly on the topics of women, sports, aviation or automotive.

Most of his works were edited by Etling House, which was founded in 1909, was very active in publishing and Art Deco bronzes representing many sculptors of this artistic movement.

Maurice Guiraud-Rivière is also known for its automobile mascots, an area in which it has invested heavily. He is one of the sculptors who created some of the best known mascots in the golden age of this production (1919-1930).

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