Woman and Panther - Albert Poncin (1877-1954)

Albert Poncin’s Femme à la Panthère is a striking and elegant Art Deco bronze sculpture that perfectly encapsulates the movement’s characteristic blend of stylized modernity and classical sensuality. This piece, crafted in patinated bronze, depicts a nude woman walking in tandem with a powerful panther. The composition is fluid, capturing a moment of poised motion between the human figure and the feline, an artistic metaphor for the harmony between nature and human elegance.
The sculpture's form is defined by elongated, streamlined lines that emphasize grace and dynamism. The woman’s body is both athletic and refined, her posture exuding effortless control, with one hand resting on her hip while the other gently caresses the panther’s head. The panther, in contrast, embodies restrained power, its muscular form taut yet relaxed, as if responding to the woman's unspoken command. The contrast between the woman’s smooth, polished skin and the slightly textured treatment of the panther’s fur enhances the play of light across the sculpture, a hallmark of high-quality bronze craftsmanship.
Poncin’s work is steeped in influences from both the classical tradition and the Art Deco aesthetic. The woman's hairstyle, a sleek bob with geometric precision, recalls the fashion of the 1920s and 1930s, a period when Art Deco was at its height. The influence of renowned sculptors such as Demétre Chiparus and Paul Manship can be seen in the stylized realism of the female figure, while the theme of a woman accompanied by a panther is reminiscent of Rembrandt Bugatti’s celebrated animalier bronzes.
The sculpture’s base is subtly oval, providing stability while reinforcing the organic, naturalistic movement of the figures. The oval foundation prevents a static, rigid feel, allowing the figures to appear as though they are moving forward with effortless grace. The green and black patina of the bronze is particularly well-applied, providing depth and a sense of richness to the figures.
Poncin’s Femme à la Panthère is more than a decorative Art Deco piece—it is a study in the balance of strength and sensuality, movement and stillness, humanity and the untamed spirit of the animal world. It stands as a testament to the sculptor’s mastery of form and material, embodying the luxury and sophistication of the Art Deco era.