A late 19th century Art Nouveau centrepiece is one of the highlights at Quittenbaum’s Munich sale on May 15. It was created by the French sculptor Raoul Larche (1860-1912), many of whose most famous works were inspired by the dancer Loie Fuller.
In this case the artist chose a mythological maritime theme for his sculpture. The 2ft 5in (75cm) high gilt bronze depicts mermaids emerging from the sea holding aloft three oyster shells, surmounted by a nude.