Demeter Chiparus

Private Collection, Chicago, IL
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 1972

Bryan Catley, Art Deco and Other Figures, Woodbridge, 1978, p. 82
Victor Arwas, Art Deco Sculpture, New York, 1992, p. 54
Alberto Shayo, Chiparus:  Master of Art Deco, New York, 1999, p. 49, pl. 83

Overall very good original condition. With minor surface dirt and light patination to the costume elements as a result of age. The costume retains a beautiful dark blue hue and has retained most of the original patination and lustre. The ivory is finely carved, and shows minor surface dirt and light discoloration consistent with the aging process of the material. Please note the hands of this sculpture are likely replaced with later carved ivory hands. The hands present slightly larger in comparison to other examples of the form and are not carved with the same intricate detailing as the face in this example.The present lot is a strong example of the model in the coloration and detailed rendering of the costume decoration and finely carved ivory elements.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The vibrant dancers depicted in the bronze and ivory sculptures of Chiparus provide modern viewers with a snapshot of the enthusiasm surrounding the introduction of the ballet to London and Paris at the turn of the century.  The Ballets Russes, one of the most significant influences on Chiparus as well as Parisian culture at the time, presented Rimsky-Korsakov's opera Sadko in 1911.  The hero of the opera is rescued by a sea princess, played by the lead soprano.  The Underwater Kingdom scene and sea princess character demonstrated possibilities for a new underwater exoticism at the same time the sport of synchronized swimming was beginning to debut internationally.  The sleek pose and crossed hands of Chiparus' Etoile de Mer evoke a dancer transformed into a sea princess yearning to return to the earth with Sadko, yet in a costume perhaps more befitting of a water-ballet star.