Beetle Dancer - Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947)

Chryselephantine sculpture, bronze, ivory, cold painted turquoise enamel
raised on its original onyx base
signed on the base " D.H. Chiparus "

France
circa 1925
total height 40,5 cm

A similar model is reproduced in « Chiparus, Master of Art Deco », Alberto Shayo, Acc Art Books, 2016, Page 108.

Provenance :
Former collection of the sculptor Louis Sosson

All our chryselephantine sculptures containing ivory are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and the CIC (Intra Community Certificate) issued by the CITES of the European Commission.

Biography :
Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947) was born in Dorohoi in Romania. In 1909, he moved to Italy where he studied under Raffaello Romanelli's direction. He then went to Paris in 1912 to perfect his art at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts under the direction of Antonin Mercié and Jean Boucher. Chiparus was best known for his bronze and ivory carvings, known as chryselephantines, representing exotic dancers, mounted on bases of onyx or portor marble.

Exhibiting at the Salon in 1914, Chiparus received an honorable medal. He opened his studio after W.W.I and exhibited regularly in the salons. Most of his works were made between the years 1914 and 1933. In the 20s, he was inspired by excavations in Egypt, including the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, to create sculptures. His work was also inspired by Russian ballets or French theater.