Albert CHEURET (1884-1966) Important "Cigognes" chandelier circa 1925 in chased silvered bronze depicting three storks each holding an alabaster tulip and clasping an alabaster ball between their legs. The central alabaster bowl is surrounded by the storks' wings. Bronze cover simulating a drape. Signed "Albert Cheuret" in all letters. 56 x 87 cm Master of light The art of Albert Cheuret, forerunner of the Art Deco years, lies somewhere between nature and modernity, the choice of bronze decorations contrasting with the softness of the light diffused through the alabaster plates. Trained in sculpture by Georges Lemaire, among others, Cheuret opened his Paris studio in 1907 and exhibited his sculptures at the Salon des artistes français, before making a name for himself at the Exposition internationale des Arts décoratifs et industriels modernes in 1925. His inspiration, often exotic, came from nature. He elegantly sculpted and stylised erect cobras, birds with outstretched wings, herons and other birds of prey. Reference: Carrousel du Louvre "Biennale des antiquaires" circa 1990, then private collection, La Tour de Peilz, Switzerland Please note Carrousel du Louvre "Biennale des antiquaires" circa 1990, then private collection, La Tour de Peilz, Switzerland