A Renevey was a sculptor renown for Art Deco mascots such as a rare Venus Noire female dancer mascot and other novelty hood ornaments.
Below are some examples of mascots and makers mark by the sculptor.
A Renevey Makers Mark
A RARE ART DECO ‘LE VENUS NOIRE “JOSEPHINE BAKER”‘ MASCOT BY A.RENEVEY, FRENCH, CIRCA 1926, signed to base, polychrome bronze with gilt detailing, depicting a female dancer of African heritage in feather skirt with necklace, bangles and ankle bracelets, 17cm high, mounted on a turned wooden display base.
It is a popular belief that this mascot depicts the St.Louis born African American dancer and entertainer Josephine Baker (1906-1975), who, after relocating to Paris in 1925, was famed for her erotic performances at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees and at the Folies Bergere, most notably a particular performance known as the ‘Danse Sauvage’ during which the scantily-clad Baker wore a skirt made of a string of artificial bananas, more commonly referred to as ‘The Banana Dance, causing a sensation at the time in Parisian society.
Sold for € 3,750 (£ 3,365) inc. premium at Bonhams in 2019
A. Renevey (French, early 20th century) A signed nickel plated bronze running child automobile mascot on radiator cap and wood base. Mascot only: 5.25″
Sold for $1,000 at Kamelot Auctions in 2019
