1931 Louis Vuitton totem for Exposition Coloniale
Patinated Bronze Totem Sculpture
"The Spirit of Louis Vuitton 1931"
Derived from the Louis Vuitton Pavilion at the International Colonial Exhibition
Bronze with a nuanced brown patina; contrasting bone inlays in the eyes.
Originally conceived as a lamp base.
Period: Circa 1931
French.
Height: 28.5 cm (11.2 inches)
This high-quality bronze sculpture is a faithful transcription of the monumental totem that marked the entrance to the Louis Vuitton Pavilion during the 1931 International Colonial Exhibition in Paris. Located at the "Pointe de Madagascar," the pavilion showcased leather goods and travel accessories inspired by African and Oceanina Art, under the creative direction of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, a renowned collector and patron of tribal arts.
The work embodies the "Primitivism" of the 1930s: a rigorous geometric stylization, a hieratic facial expression with prominent eyes, and a powerful architectural stance. The deep, nuanced patina is characteristic of fine art castings from the interwar period.
The existence of this 28.5 cm bronze version—modeled after a large-scale architectural structure—strongly suggests a prestige edition of restricted distribution.
Several factors support the hypothesis that this object was not intended for general commercial sale:
High-Level Public Relations: The exact correspondence with the iconography found on the Maison Vuitton’s period invitations (see pictures below) indicates that this object was designed as a direct extension of the brand's visual identity for this global event.
Exclusive Destination: Due to its superior craftsmanship and noble material, this sculpture was most likely intended as a prestige gift for Exhibition officials, high-ranking diplomats, or the Maison’s most elite clientele.
Decorative Utility: Its design as a lamp base allowed it to be seamlessly integrated into the refined interiors and private offices of 1930s collectors, further projecting the Vuitton lifestyle beyond its boutiques.
This specimen retains a remarkably well-preserved original patina, with no notable alterations. At 28.5 cm, it possesses a significant sculptural presence while maintaining the elegance of a cabinet d'amateur object.
"The Spirit of Louis Vuitton 1931"
Derived from the Louis Vuitton Pavilion at the International Colonial Exhibition
Bronze with a nuanced brown patina; contrasting bone inlays in the eyes.
Originally conceived as a lamp base.
Period: Circa 1931
French.
Height: 28.5 cm (11.2 inches)
This high-quality bronze sculpture is a faithful transcription of the monumental totem that marked the entrance to the Louis Vuitton Pavilion during the 1931 International Colonial Exhibition in Paris. Located at the "Pointe de Madagascar," the pavilion showcased leather goods and travel accessories inspired by African and Oceanina Art, under the creative direction of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, a renowned collector and patron of tribal arts.
The work embodies the "Primitivism" of the 1930s: a rigorous geometric stylization, a hieratic facial expression with prominent eyes, and a powerful architectural stance. The deep, nuanced patina is characteristic of fine art castings from the interwar period.
The existence of this 28.5 cm bronze version—modeled after a large-scale architectural structure—strongly suggests a prestige edition of restricted distribution.
Several factors support the hypothesis that this object was not intended for general commercial sale:
High-Level Public Relations: The exact correspondence with the iconography found on the Maison Vuitton’s period invitations (see pictures below) indicates that this object was designed as a direct extension of the brand's visual identity for this global event.
Exclusive Destination: Due to its superior craftsmanship and noble material, this sculpture was most likely intended as a prestige gift for Exhibition officials, high-ranking diplomats, or the Maison’s most elite clientele.
Decorative Utility: Its design as a lamp base allowed it to be seamlessly integrated into the refined interiors and private offices of 1930s collectors, further projecting the Vuitton lifestyle beyond its boutiques.
This specimen retains a remarkably well-preserved original patina, with no notable alterations. At 28.5 cm, it possesses a significant sculptural presence while maintaining the elegance of a cabinet d'amateur object.
REFERENCE: ti2602
