Dancer of Lebanon (also known as Egyptian Dancer or Oriental Dancer)
Sculpture; figurative bronze statue on a tiered marble pedestal. • Demetre Haralamb Chiparus (1886–1947).
Style & Movement
Art Deco; high style of the 1920s characterized by geometric forms and exoticism.
Medium & Technique
Bronze with cold-painted or dark brown patina; lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue). The base is rouge marble on a black slate plinth.
Creation Period
Circa 1920-1925.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 15-20 inches (38-50 cm) in height. Vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
An 'Orientalist' female dancer in a dramatic, athletic pose with arms outstretched laterally. She wears an elaborate exotic costume including a skullcap, jeweled breastplates, a patterned loincloth, and multiple bracelets/anklets—reflecting the era's fascination with the Ballets Russes and Egyptian archaeology.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The bronze shows a consistent aged patina with some minor surface dust and wear. The marble base appears intact with minor edge nibbles consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$8,000 - $12,000 USD (depending on the authenticity of the cast and specific foundry marks).
Auction Estimate
$6,000 - $10,000 USD.
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a French foundry (such as Etling) in the early 20th century. Visible signature 'D.H. Chiparus' is embossed on the bronze base plate.
Art Historical Significance
Chiparus was the preeminent master of Art Deco sculpture. This piece captures the stylized movements of 'Jazz Age' dance and the period's obsession with Near-Eastern and Egyptian aesthetics following the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Notable Features
Features the signature 'D.H. Chiparus' on the bronze base. The tiered 'ziggurat' style marble base is a classic Art Deco design element. The dynamic balance of the figure is a hallmark of Chiparus's technical skill.
Condition Issues
Possible minor oxidation on the bronze surface; slight abrasions on the extremities (fingertips); minor dulling of the original finish. Potential 'nibbling' or tiny chips on the sharp corners of the marble base.
Conservation Recommendations
Light dusting with a soft microfiber cloth; application of high-quality microcrystalline wax (Renaissance Wax) to protect the patina. Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from high humidity.