Jan and Joël Martel

Modernism Gallery, New York, 1987

Arlette Barré-Despond, UAM: Union des Artistes Modernes, 1986, p. 57 (for the full-scale version of this model exhibited at the second U.A.M. exhibition in 1931)
Jan et Jöel Martel: Sculpteurs 1896-1966, Paris, 1996, pp. 96-98

Very good overall condition. Some chip restorations to the foot of the base as expected. Some roughness to the surface in places as expected from this medium. There appear to be different layers of whitewash to the piece as expected and is needed over time as plaster darkens from age and handling. Some surface dirt in places. The sculpture is brighter than it appears in the catalogue illustration which has taken on a rosy tint during the printing process.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The sculptors Jan and Joël Martel were twins and spent their entire lives living and working together. They were close friends with the celebrated architect Robert Mallet-Stevens and executed many of the scultural reliefs for his structures, including the Pavilion de Tourisme at the 1925 Exposition Universelle in Paris. The fair also included their fantastical cubist trees sculpted out of concrete which embodied their dual interests in nature and the avant-garde. The Martels were founding members of the UAM, the modernist group of artists and designers that held annual exhibitions. The monumental version of the present model was exhibited at the second U.A.M. exhibition in Paris in 1931.  This sculpture was offered in three sizes in either plaster, terracotta, bronze and lakarmé.

Sotheby's would like to thank Florence and Ulf Langer Martel for their  assistance in the cataloguing of this lot.