Collection Wolfers & Petrucci: Hidden Treasures

Marcel Wolfers
Victoire Ailée, 1931
Patinated bronze on a wooden base
Dimensions: 62 × 25,5 × 8 cm
Provenance:
Wolfers Frères ( ?)
Marcel Wolfers and Clairette Petrucci collection (acquired from the above ?)
The sculpture was originally created as a trophy for a rally, known as “Challenge
Junieck or Juneck”. It was cast in silver and the flag was covered in lacquer with
eggshell. At the same time, Marcel Wolfers was asked to execute a second cast,
probably also in silver, as a gift from the city of Charleroi to the 2nd regiment of
the “Chasseurs à Pied”, who celebrated their 100 years of existence. A third cast
was ordered by Wolfers Frères, and should have been in silver, but was executed
in bronze (In Marcel Wolfers’ account book he writes “Victoire III: W[olfers]
F[rères] Ag. Fondue remp. par bronze”. This version was about 800,- frcs. cheaper
than the silver casts. Marcel Wolfers also made a magnificent variant with a laurel
wreath in Victory’s hand, carved in ivory and mounted on an ebony base. Again
according to his notebook, he made the ivory version for his wife Clairette.
The sculpture continued very popular, as probably in the 1950’s, 10 reductions
were ordered in silver, also to be used as trophies. Later on 2 extra casts were
added.
In conclusion, the version in our exhibition should be the third, patinated
bronze, version of “Victory with the flag”. Unfortunately we lack photographic
evidence to be 100% sure.
The Victory of 1931 is an iconic art deco sculpture that has a very decorative
appeal. Although unsigned, the work is highly finished and is mounted on a
specially conceived base. According to the information that we have up to this day,
it seems that this sculpture is also unique.
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