Paul Philippe 1870 - 1930

cold-painted and gilded, modelled as a young dancer with her arms raised, one foot numbered 190, on a hardstone base signed Ph. Philippe

Collection of Mkrtich Okroyan, Esq.

This example illustrated:
Russian House Art Deco: Art Deco Sculpture: From Root to Flourishing, Moscow, 2008
Other examples illustrated:
Bryan Catley: Art Deco and Other Figures, Woodbridge, 1978, p. 251
Victor Arwas: Art Deco Sculpture, Chryselephantine Statuettes of the Twenties and Thirties, London, 1984, p. 44

A decorative piece in good overall condition. Very small hole to top of head. Left arm with two hairline cracks, one to front and a longer one to the reverse. Some minor rubbing to the patina of the bronze dress border. Base with some minor old marks and scratches and one or two small chips. An attractive example ready for display. This piece contains ivory, which may be subject to export and import restrictions. Ivory cannot be imported into the United States. Your attention is drawn to the Endangered Species section in the Guide for Prospective Buyers at the back of the sale catalogue.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The model for this sculpture appears to be the Ballets Russes dancer Ludmilla Shollar, wearing a costume based on designs for the ballet Cléopâtre.

Prospective purchasers are advised that Anna Winestein of St Catherine's College, Oxford, would like to include this lot in a forthcoming Ballets Russes exhibition to be held at Sotheby's Paris in September 2008, and would be grateful for the buyer's agreement to this loan.