GILBERT VALENTIN (1928-2000) - THE ARCHANGELS Owl, 1976 Bas-relief. Mixed media (including cutlery elements) on panel. Presented in its original Galerie des ARCHANGES frame. Signed and dated G. VALENTIN (19)76 in a cartouche lower right. Work alone: 45.5 x 37.5cm With frame: 53.5 x 46cm GILBERT VALENTIN (1928-2000) - LES ARCHANGES VALLAURIS After initial experience as an ironmonger, Gilbert Valentin began working with ceramics in 1946, training in Dieulefit, Vierzon and then at the Lunéville faience factory. Drawn to Vallauris, he set up his "Les Archanges" workshop there. His style asserts itself and spreads, notably through exhibitions in France and abroad. His ceramics are characterized by bold, often biomorphic volumes and brightly colored decorations on matte granite backgrounds. In 1962, the studio became multidisciplinary, integrating painting, sculpture, lithography and weaving. His work then evolved into "meta-sculptures" combining ceramics and iron, his preferred mediums.