This refined pressed glass sculpture, designed by the renowned French glass artist Marius-Ernest Sabino, depicts two panthers in a perfectly balanced composition. The left panther gracefully bends forward to drink, while subtle ripples in the glass on the flat surface add extra depth and realism to the scene. The right panther stands alert, head held high, as if keeping watch so its companion can drink in safety.
The model is among Sabino’s most beloved and rare creations, showcasing his exceptional sensitivity to both form and emotion. The sculpture is executed in high-quality opalescent glass, produced in the southern Paris area during the golden age of Art Deco around 1925.
Technique – Press glass
The pressed glass technique (verre pressé) was refined in the early 20th century into an art form in its own right. In this process, molten glass is pressed into a metal mould under high pressure and then cooled within the mould. This method made it possible to achieve highly detailed reliefs and fluid shapes, as seen in the subtle musculature, the fur texture, and the delicate ripples in the water’s surface in this work. Sabino was renowned for perfecting this technique with unparalleled finishing and a rich opalescent sheen.
Art Deco – Style and Influence
The sculpture is a prime example of the Art Deco aesthetic: clean lines, stylised forms, and a harmonious balance between realism and abstraction. In the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco symbolised modernity, luxury, and progress, and Sabino’s work fit perfectly into the interiors of Paris’s fashionable elite. His pieces were often exhibited at leading salons and exported worldwide.
