Pair of Art Deco French Bulldog Bookends by H. Moreau, France, 1930s

Pair of Art Deco French Bulldog Bookends by H. Moreau, France, 1930s

This rare and endearing pair of French Art Deco bookends features stylized French bulldogs sculpted in cast metal with a dark patinated finish, mounted on polished black marble bases with prominent natural veining. Designed by H. Moreau and signed on the rear of one base, these expressive bulldogs are emblematic of Moreau’s signature style: angular, Cubist-inspired forms brought to life through exaggerated details and uncanny character.

With their upright ears, blocky musculature, and unmistakably squashed snouts, these bulldogs are both humorous and refined. Each figure sports the iconic Moreau treatment—sharp geometric modeling, prominent brows and muzzles, and most notably, his signature glass eyes. In this case, the eyes are a brilliant and slightly surreal blue, adding a charming intensity to their stare.

Produced in France during the early 1930s, these bookends reflect the Art Deco fascination with animalier sculpture, and the French bulldog was a particularly fashionable subject during this period, appearing in everything from advertising to decorative arts. Their solid weight and bold presence make them functional bookends, but they also serve as highly collectible sculptural objects suitable for display on a shelf, desk, or mantel.