Lot 205
  • 205

Demeter Chiparus

Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 USD
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Description

  • Demeter Chiparus
  • "Danseurs Russes"
  • base engraved D.H. Chiparus
  • cold-painted, parcel-gilt and silvered bronze and carved ivory on a black Portor and red marble base

Provenance

Sotheby's New York, December 4, 1998, lot 269
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Literature

Bryan Catley, Art Deco and Other Figures, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 1978, p. 85
Victor Arwas, Art Deco Sculpture, London, 1992, p. 58
Alberto Shayo, Chiparus:  Master of Art Deco, New York, 1993, p. 53 (for the plasteline model) and p. 148, pl. 79

Condition

Overall the sculpture is in very good condition. The ivory has mellowed to a fairly consistent, warm tone overall. The ivory with a few fine age cracks to the extremities as expected with this medium. The female figure's right proper hand is slightly loose, where the forearm meets her bracelet, and would benefit from adjustment. The female figure's raised arm has recently been re-attached by a professional restorer and a small associated fleck to the ivory forearm adjacent to the wrist decoration has been restored.. The figures both retain small traces of their original facial painted decoration. Some rubbing to the decoration of the bronze surfaces as expected. The female figure's costume has darkened with tarnish, which is expected form a silver-plated finish. The female figure's right proper cymbal has some roughness to the lower edge. With some minor looseness to the female figure overall, however she remains firmly attached to the base. The base is in good condition with very minor rubbing and chips to the edges, with one small glue-repair. The base adjacent to the female dancer’s foot, with minor infill recently executed by a professional restorer. The sculpture and base are both structurally sound. A beautifully executed pair of figures showing extraordinary intricacies in the modeling of the costumes and the carving of the expressive ivory features.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.