The assumption of the Virgin

Ernest Gabard

1879-1957

Plaster painted in gold 22 X 34 X 2 cm, a hook of attachment sealed on the back, signed lower right.

For those who do not yet know the Béarnais sculptor Ernest Gabard, we can specify that this sculptor, painter, illustrator and poster artist created the archetype of Béarnais, the famous Caddetou, which was declined in statuettes including a rare automobile mascot, one of the very first posters on the theme of aviation (Pau was the first Aviation School) and countless sculptures both religious and secular. Mobilized during the Great War, his procession of horrors inspired him to create numerous monuments to the dead of pacifist inspiration, but his works also decorate fountains and churches, the present plasterwork being probably an edition of a study for one of these. “Assumpta est in coelum” “She (Mary) has been lifted up to heaven”, which appears on the plinth of this bas-relief, is usually completed by “Gaudent angeli: the angels rejoice”. The ogival shape serves the typical Art-Deco purpose wonderfully, Mary being flanked by the wings of the angels who raise her up accompanied by four cherubs.  Do not hesitate to ask us for photos or additional information by mail or telephone.