Dancers sway in these 1930s brass and ivory figurines signed by a man whose work epitomises Art Deco style – Josef Lorenzl.
Lorenzl (1892-1950) was a talented Austrian-born sculptor and ceramicist, and these ornaments display his creative flair beautifully. They capture the flapper-girl style and mood of the Art Deco period, which flourished between the wars in the 1920s and 30s.
They also display Lorenzl’s favourite theme – dancing girls. He was a man captivated by the female form. He became famed for his shapely dancing girls with long, elegant legs and closed eyes.
He began his career at a foundry at the Vienna Arsenal where he learned bronze casting. He produced many bronze and chryselephantine sculptures, the latter using bronze and ivory.
His work came to embody the Art Deco period but, sadly, much of it was lost. After his death his wife, Anna, destroyed many of his figurines.
Entries invited for December 20th Century Design Auction
The figurines will be offered in Hansons’ December 13 20th Century Design, estimate £400-£600. Further entries are invited. To book a free valuation, or to discuss a possible consignment, email sale manager Barry Jones: [email protected].
