Armand Petersen (1891-1968) was born in Switzerland, where he studied sculpture. Like many other artists, he developed his art in Paris. His passion, integrity and aesthetic sense propelled him forward, placing him among the most renowned animal sculptors. In 1924, he joined the group of Pompon disciples teaching at the Jardin des Plantes. Edgard Brandt soon took notice of him and invited him to exhibit works in his gallery. There he met Leleu and Ruhlmann, among others.
Sabine Demestre, his wife and a journalist, helped him make a name for himself in magazines such as Art & Decoration, Le Journal de l'Amateur and Mobilier & Décoration. As a result, he took on a number of public commissions. In 1928, he signed a contract with the Bing & Grondahl National Manufactory in Copenhagen, entrusting him with the creation of animal models in a new matt porcelain.
Petersen's designs take into account the delicate and noble nature of the material, resulting in fluid lines, solid shapes and a unique style. When integrated into our interiors, these small objects become true life companions. Petersen animals embody tranquility, stability, gentleness and beauty. Petersen focuses on the essential, leaving out the details, to capture the familiar pose with unwavering truth. His mastery of anatomy enables him to distribute volumes precisely beneath a smooth, uniform surface. He avoids excessive realism, preferring pure truth devoid of artifice.
"These little trinkets prove that, in the realm of beauty, small objects can become masterpieces. For too long, the minor arts have suffered from a devalued status. The choice of minimalism in interior design has contributed to the creation of a sculpture of intimacy, sober and refined. Through his animal creations, Petersen demonstrates that great plastic qualities can emerge from modest decorative pretexts."
Bertrand Champigneulle
© INU Studio
