Born in Rouen, Normandy, France in 1901, the French sculptor and jewelry artist Louis Féron first cultivated his diverse range of talents as a craftsman while serving as an apprentice in Paris at the Volk Bronze Figure Workshop, specializing in figural and ornamental metal chasing.
In 1933, Féron's exceptionally skilled artistry earned him the prestigious title of “Best chaser, gold- and silversmith of France.” This recognition came for his exquisite work, Portrait de Jean, a male child's head in hammered silver, wrought from a single piece and with intricate repoussé chasing, the whole mounted on a green onyx base.
Today this important early example by Féron is housed within the permanent collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In addition, Féron was honored with the Commande de l'Ordre du Travail by the French government and received decorations at the Sorbonne.
During the Great Depression, Féron made the bold decision to immigrate to Costa Rica, where he resided from 1934 to 1945. He operated his own workshop and even served as a professor at the Public Works School in Costa Rica starting in 1935. One of his most remarkable contributions during this period was the creation of the Salón Dorado (Golden Room) at what was then known as La Sabana International Airport Diplomat Lounge, and is currently part of the Museo de Arte Costarricense (Costa Rican Museum of Art). This stucco-and-bas-relief mural spans an impressive 150 square meters and portrays significant events and eras in Costa Rican history, from pre-Columbian times to 1940. In recognition of his substantial impact on the country's artistic and cultural heritage, the Costa Rican government awarded Féron a commendation in 1987.
In 1944, Féron made the acquaintance of Norman Rockefeller, American philanthropist and Assistant Secretary of State for Latin American Affairs, in San José. After seeing the Salón Dorado and visiting Féron's workshop, Rockefeller was significantly impressed by the artist's work, such that he encouraged Féron to move to New York City and Rockefeller even helped to arrange the required visas.
So Féron left Costa Rica in late 1945 and moved his family to New York City, eventually becoming a United States citizen in 1951. Living in America, Féron excelled in designing and crafting jewelry, devotional vessels, and sculptures for both private clients and renowned firms like Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, David Webb, Steuben Glass Works, and others. When the celebrated French jewelry designer Jean Schlumberger was brought on at Tiffany & Co. in 1956, he hired Féron to make most of his jewelry in New York. Along with jewelry and cufflinks, Féron created several of Schlumberger's famed decorative, small boxes, or minaudiéres, which were very much in fashion during the mid-twentieth century.
Féron married dancer Leslie Snow in 1962 and they subsequently relocated to Snowville, New Hampshire, where the couple enjoyed a quieter life and Féron established a workshop. Even from New Hampshire, Féron continued to collaborate with Schlumberger, produce designs for Steuben Glass, and take on private commissions. Moreover, Féron's contributions to the arts extended to teaching, influencing several prominent artists who continue his traditions, namely, Pierre Etienne Lahaussois and Carvin French.
While Féron passed away in 1998, his legacy as a sculptor and jewelry artist endures, given that his work is still prized by collectors for its elegant mastery of ornamentation. Examples by Féron are likewise held by such esteemed institutions as the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris, the Virginia Museum in Richmond, the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, and elsewhere.
Auction Results Louis Feron
