Georges DESPRET (1862-1952) - Lot 143

Georges DESPRET (1862-1952) Rare polychrome pâte de verre mask depicting a female face, probably that of Cléo de Mérode. The head, whose right side is decorated in high relief with a stylized open flower in a shaded beige-pink hue, is encircled by long strands of ochre-brown hair that border the top of the forehead and cover the temple on one side, framing the elongated, shaded flesh-ochre face. With its open blue eyes and closed mouth, the expression is full of mystery and reserve. Engraved signature under the base: G Despret Height : 20 cm - Width : 15 cm Circa : 1905 On the back of the piece, small open bubbles and some cooling cracks on the surface. References : . European Art Glass, Ray & Lee Grover, no. 188, page 118. . The Paris-Salons, 1895-1914, volume IV, Ceramic & Glass, Alastair Duncan, AnXque Collectors' Club, page 175. . Two masks by Georges Despret bearing the effigy of Cléo de Mérode are on display at the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles, inventory nos. GC069 and GC070. . A female mask by Georges Despret is kept at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, inventory no. OAO1593. Appraisal Mr. Didier LARGEAULT