An elegant chryselephantine sculpture entitled Russian Dancer, created after a model by the Austrian-French sculptor Paul Philippe (1870-1930), circa 1920. The work is a characteristic example of European cabinet sculpture of the Art Deco period, embodying the eras fascination with theatrical dance, Oriental exoticism and the expressive plasticity of the human form.
The figure captures the dancer at the climax of a dynamic performance. Balanced gracefully on one foot, she extends her arms dramatically, creating a powerful spiralling silhouette. The sweeping movement is accentuated by the masterfully sculpted folds of her flowing costume, the substantial Oriental-style belt and the elegant inclination of her head. The striking contrast between the richly patinated bronze and the smoothly polished ivory, used for the head, arms and exposed upper torso, enhances the sculptures decorative refinement while demonstrating exceptional technical mastery.
The figure is mounted on a finely polished onyx base. The sculpture displays outstanding quality of bronze casting, remarkable attention to detail and an original richly toned patina characteristic of the finest French bronze foundries of the first quarter of the twentieth century.
.png)
SILVER Seller in Alpes-Maritimes, France
