Playful Pair of French Terracotta Cat and Mouse Sculptures, Early 20th Century

This wonderfully expressive pair of French terracotta sculptures, probably dating from the early 20th century, depicts a cat and a rat, two familiar adversaries full of character and humor. Both slightly larger than life-size, the animals are modeled in warm reddish-orange clay with a natural, unglazed finish. Their handcrafted character is particularly evident in the irregular surfaces, visible modeling marks and freely incised lines used to suggest the texture of their fur. The cat has a dramatically arched back, raised tail and alert expression, enhanced by its bright glass eyes. The rat crouches low, with a long snout and curling tail. Both stand on separate rectangular bases and show age-related wear, small chips and darker marks, including a break to one of the cat's ears and a discreet restoration on the rat's tail. 

These unmarked sculptures are reminiscent of the animal figures produced by the celebrated Poterie du Mesnil de Bavent in Normandy, although no attribution can be confirmed. Full of humor and personality, the pair has an appealing artisanal quality, enhanced by the earthy terracotta finish and beautifully aged patina. Displayed together, the two figures create an amusing scene, with plenty of possibilities for arranging them in relation to one another. Their generous weight also makes them interesting as decorative doorstops, perhaps holding open the doors of a country kitchen. They could also be displayed at eye level on a large entryway console, a kitchen sideboard or a deep shelf in a garden room, allowing their expressive modeling to be fully appreciated.