Futurist car mascot by Jan & Joël Martel (1896-1966)

A historically significant and unique Futuristic car mascot in nickelled bronze, commissioned from the artist brothers Joël & Jan Martel (1896-1966) by the Modernist architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in 1925. This is one of only four mascot prototype designs created as special commissions for Mallet-Stevens as well as the automobile marque Sizaire and Voisin. The mascot is mounted on a rectangular, ebonized hardwood base.

Length: 8 inches (20 cm)

Illustrated: Joël et Jan Martel Sculpteurs, 1896-1966, 1996, page 77
‘L’Art et L’Automobile’ by Hervé Poulain, 1973, page 111

Parisian architect and designer Robert Mallet-Stevens (1886-1945) was one of the most influential figures in the French Modernist movement. Known for his works during the 1920s and 30s and for his commissions for wealthy French Avant Garde clients, including artist Tamara de Lempicka, Mallet-Stevens founded the Union des Artistes Modernes, whose members included Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier. Following his earlier collaboration with the Martel brothers on this mascot, as well as a large number of other artistic projects, Mallet-Stevens completely redesigned 3,800 square metres of the 16th arrondissement in Paris, from the architecture down to the street furniture and interiors. Renamed Rue Mallet-Stevens, the home and studios of the Martel Brothers was located at nº 10.

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