Joe Descomps (French, 1872-1948)

Joe Descomps (1872-1948), was a well-known French sculptor and jeweler who utilized casting, engraving and enamels to create exquisite jewelry. He received his early training at Falguières under H. Hiolin, an engraver and metal designer. In 1883, he became a member of the French Society of Artists, and by 1898, he had risen to prominence as an artist. He received an honorable mention the same year for several pieces; two small statues and three gold brooches, Insouciance, Le Sommeil and Enfant nénuphar. Descomps moved from his location on 399 Rue des Pyrénées, to 37 Rue du Moulin-Vert in 1900. From this location, he exhibited jewelry cast by the firms Louchet and Rambour. In 1908, he participated in an exhibition at the Museum Galliera entitled "Precious Head Ornaments". His jewelry often depicted sculpted female forms within naturalistic floral and pastoral settings.