Claude Victor Boeltz French 1970s Gold Bronze Crystal Amethyst Picture Frame

A French 1970s Gold and bronze clam shell center peice sculpture with three large quartz and amethyst crystal clusters. Signed Biography: Claude Boeltz was born in Paris in 1937. The fourth generation in a line of artists, from his early childhood Boeltz was interested in disciplines as far ranging as sculpture, painting, ceramics, architecture, and blacksmithing. From the very start he was fascinated by what would become life long inspirations—anatomy and geology. His first apprenticeship was with the sculptor Henri Molins, which was followed by apprenticeships at the prominent Susse and Houdot foundries. His last was with Soudoun, under whose tutelage he was honored with the national “Best Worker in France” award. During these apprenticeships Boeltz took night classes at the Boule School, the Gambetta School, and at the Academy of Art in Paris. He would eventually take degrees from all three. On Sundays he went to museums, particularly the Louvre, where he sought out work in the Louis XIII - Louis XVI styles. He also spent long hours in study of the many artists he admired, such as Bersus, Meunier, Giacometti, Ponpon, Chipparus, Dali, Dajou, and Ruhlman. After these apprenticeships he tried to establish himself in the Riviera, where he befriended, and briefly collaborated with Picasso. Boeltz’s time in this vibrant community was, however, cut short—in the early 1960s he was called into the French military. While on tour in the Sahara he carved miniatures, and would carry them in his baggage from base to base. One that survived—a replica of the Arc d’triumph—was later offered to President Eisenhower on behalf of the French Army. Upon leaving the service Boeltz established a foundry in the Loire, and by the late 1960s his work, now enormously popular, was shown all over Europe. In the early 1970s he met the sculptor Cesar. The famous sculptor’s “compression” pieces inspired Boeltz to create the work for which he would soon become best known. Boeltz’s “exploded” bronze works were pieces plated with 24 karat gold made to look like liquid gold crystalized an instant after explosion. Boeltz augmented this unique medium with vibrant details, often with African emeralds, but with other stones or unusual materials as well. In his famous Cleopatra, dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor and installed in Georve V hotel in Paris, the artist employed metacrylite as a base and for its veil. The immediate success of these “exploded” works allowed Boeltz to build two foundries devoted largely to their creation, one in the Faubourg St. Honore’ in Paris, and the other in Fontenay Sous Bois. “Exploded” works from the foundries were presented and sold at Fred’s Jewelers...

A wonderful 1970s exploding 24-karat gold bronze sculpture dish with two large quartz clusters by French artist, Claude Victor Boeltz. Signed. A m...

A unique 1970s French Dore/Golden bronze sculpture with a large amethyst and quartz clusters and oyster shell. Biography: Claude Victor Boeltz, the European surrealist master artist was born in Paris, France in 1937. ... This gorgeous centerpiece is one of the artist's gold-plated "exploded-bronze" pieces, made famous in the early 1970s, and carried by such luxury retailers as Fred Joaillier...

A luxurious gold dore bronze and rock crystal horse table lamps. The gold bronze sculptures are on polished brass bases and they have complimentary ...

A sleek, 1970s German chrome eight arm chandelier with heavy cut crystal glass shades and walnut decorative accents. Newly Rewired.

A beautiful rare pair of French polished nickel sconces with heavy thick faceted crystal shades. Newly rewired.

This exquisite coral-form picture frame was realized by the esteemed artist Claude Victor Boeltz in France. They are among artists 24-karat gold plated "exploded-bronze" pieces made ...

Tall model of photo picture or drawing frame light lamp in gilt bronze and dioptase stone by the french artist Claude Victor Boeltz.

Claude Victor Boeltz sculptural 24-karat gold-plated exploded photograph frame with lamp and rock crystal inclusions. The natural rock quartz crystal wands...

Claude Boeltz’s candelabras possess the asymmetrical, numinous beauty of lightening, mimicking the natural phenomenon in hue, form, and arrangement.    

French designer Jean Claude Mahey designed and crafted this beautiful modernist picture photo frame in the 1970s. The decorative piece features an elegant Oxblood colored lacquered w...

A very striking large 1970s striped wooden Italian picture frame. This style of frame was prevalent in the 60s and 70s and is an iconic Italian design piece. The dark and light diago...