After Demeter Chiparus, Ballet Dancer, Bronzed Metal

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Balancing on the toes of one foot with arms held in sharp, theatrical gestures, this dynamic figure captures the stylized … Read more Balancing on the toes of one foot with arms held in sharp, theatrical gestures, this dynamic figure captures the stylized choreography of early twentieth-century Russian ballet. The dancer is costumed in a fitted harlequin doublet, pointed collar, and tall conical cap, leaning back to emphasize the dramatic movement of the stage performance. The sculpture is cast in metal with a dark patinated finish that reveals warm reddish-bronze undertones across the textured suit. Following the chryselephantine style popularised by Art Deco masters, the head is formed from a pale composite material with hand-painted facial features, while the slender gesturing hands are cast in metal and lightly painted. The figure is mounted to a stepped, circular pedestal cut from banded brown and caramel agate or onyx. This heavy hardstone base provides ballast against the dramatic forward lean of the casting, and its underside retains a green protective felt lining. In total, the sculpture measures 33 cm in height. Modelled after the celebrated dancers designed by Demétre Chiparus during the 1920s, the composition strongly reflects the visual impact of Vaslav Nijinsky and the Ballets Russes. Figures of this type translated avant-garde theatrical costumes into decorative cabinet bronzes for domestic interiors. The casting remains structurally sound with crisp detail throughout the costume folds. Surface wear is light and consistent with age, with minor paint rubbing to the fingers and sleeve cuffs, and one hand has been neatly reset into the wrist. We ship internationally, tracked. Please see our other items for sale, where we combine shipping on multiple lots. We also offer freight shipping for larger furniture pieces. See less