French Mermaids. The French name for a mermaid is sirène and they can often be found depicted in French antiques especially during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.
Below are some examples and price guides of French mermaids including an Art Nouveau mermaid shell lamp and a Lalique bowl from the 1930’s.
FRENCH ART NOUVEAU
Mermaid Shell Lamp
circa 1923
patinated bronze, iridescent glass, signed and dated ‘Marina PARIS 23’ along bottom edge of base
height 13 1/2in (34cm); length 12in (30cm); width 6in (15cm)
Sold for US$2,295 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023
French
Vase with mermaids
c. 1902
enameled copper
9.75 h x 6.75 dia in (25 x 17 cm)
Etched number to underside ‘Rd No 387036 No 4.6’ with impressed pottery and laurel mark.
Sold for US$1,600 at Rago Arts and Auction Center in 2023
A FRENCH OPALESCENT ART GLASS BOWL SIGNED R. LALIQUE
Circa 1930.
The French cast art glass bowl is molded with undulating opal-hued mermaid figures in relief gliding through streams and bubbles that encircle the form which is signed R. LALIQUE in relief molded letters.
Measures 2.75 x 8 x 8 inches.
Sold for US$550 at Soulis Auctions in 2023
Tauni De Lesseps, American, French, 1920 to 2001, a cast bronze sculpture of Mermaid and Merman Embracing. Signed on the arm of a Merman.
Sold for US$900 at Antique Arena Inc. in 2023
A French art glass pate de verre paperweight with mermaid emerging from the waves, by A Walter (1869-1959) and Jean Bernard Dedscomps (1872-1948) signed “A Walter Nancy” and “J.D.” (Jean Bernard Descomps), 5″ x 4.9″ x 2.6″, very good condition.
Sold for US$950 at Treasureseeker Auctions LLC in 2023
