Irina Codreanu

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is some dirt and minor wear to the surface consistent with age. The bronze has some minor white spots of pigment to the sides, back and base.
"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."

Born in Bucharest, Irina Codreanu moved to France in 1919 and became part of the coterie of Eastern Europeans based in Paris. She was a student of Émile-Antoine Bourdelle and Constantin Brancusi. Codreanu claimed Brancusi 'liked to be surrounded by beautiful women' in the studio but had 'a timid, respectful attitude towards feminine beauty, which he always idealized.'

Several of Codreanu's works are stylistically linked to Brancusi. The stylized and polished planar elements of her busts and bronze heads respond to Brancussi's simplified organic forms. However, the present work's weighty presence and dappled surface treatment betray the teaching of Bourdelle and convey Codreanu's own distinctive style. The execution of the hair and the ample nature of the feminine form are particularly striking.

Codreanu exhibited at the Salon des Tuileries and was a member of the Salon d'Automne. Codreanu has important works in the collections of the Musée des Années Trente in Boulogne, the Pina in Bucharest, and the Musée d'Orsay.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Bénézit, Dictionnaire des Peintres Sculpteurs Dessinateurs et Graveurs, Paris, 1999, p.748; I. Jianou, Constantin Brancusi, London, 1963, pp. 52-3