Art Deco - Sculpture

How could a man not fall in love with the women depicted in Art Deco sculpture? Slim, with long legs and arms and perfectly proportioned bodies, they are the epitome of the perfect woman. Not only are they beautiful in face and body, they are active too - dancing, throwing a javelin, playing tennis or golf; they promise fun as well as beauty. They are usually made from bronze and ivory or a new substance, chryselephantine, made from a combination of the two, often silvered, gilded or painted.

Notable Art Deco Sculptors 

• Ferdinand Preiss was one of the most famous of the Art Deco sculptors. Most of his sculptures are made from chryselephantine although there are a few made just from ivory. His figures are finely modelled and detailed and are usually dancers or sportswomen. The most desirable for collectors are those mounted on bases rather than dishes or ashtrays. 
• Demetre Chiparus, another influential sculptor of the period, was born in Romania but worked in France. His sculptures were inspired by dancers, particularly those from the Ballet Russe, and his work shows a Central American influence. 
• Joseph Lorenzl  was one of the most prominent sculptors of the time. He worked in bronze, ivory and chryselephantine and his work was also produced in ceramics by the Goldscheider Company of Vienna (see picture on page 2, Art Deco Ceramics and Glass). His women were idealized and perfect and are usually nude. 
• Clare-Jeanne-Roberte Colinet was notable at the time and is chiefly remembered for her series 'Dancers of the World'. Precisely how many figures were in the series is not known as new ones are still being discovered. Like the other sculptors of the time she worked in ivory, bronze and chryselephantine. 

Buyer Beware
These Art Deco sculptures are very collectable now and rising in price. This makes them a target for fakers.

• Beware of anything that is too cheap, if it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. 
• Look at the figure carefully, are the hands and face finely detailed and modelled? 
• Is it made of ivory or could it be plastic? Be aware that an apparent grain in the ivory is no guarantee because grained plastic is now available. 
• Look for the patina on gilding. 
• As with other Art Deco items, condition is paramount. Pieces where the ivory is chipped or cracked should be avoided. 

Unless you are an expert, it is probably best to buy from a reputable dealer who, if there is a problem, has a reputation to protect. If you are a new collector of Art Deco of any kind, go to exhibitions and museums and get an eye for what genuine Art Deco looks like. 

Copyright © 2001 by Carol Fisher