Elegance in Bronze: The Timeless Artistry of André-Vincent Becquerel and Demetre Chiparus
Born in the Oise Valley to a family of celebrated scientists, André-Vincent Becquerel’s passion for sculpture began early in his life. He studied under master ‘animaliers’ such as Prosper Lecourtier (1855-1933) and Charles Valton (1851-1918) before his first exhibition at the age of 21.
Having been drafted into the aviation unit of World War I, Becquerel reappeared in the art world at the Salons of 1921 and 1922 with two sculptures which have sadly now disappeared.
He reproduced and issued lots of his own animal sculptures as well as regularly presenting his creations at The Salon until 1954 for which he won numerous prizes. He became renowned for his depictions of birds delicately resting on branches and for fish playing in between waves and algae.
From the mid 1920s to the 1930s Becquerel was signed with both the Maison Susse foundry and Maison Etling foundries. For the latter he created several polychromatic statuettes in the spirit of famed Romanian, Art Deco sculptor Demetre Chiparus composed of ivory, enamel and gold highlights.
After exhibiting for the first time at the Salon of 1914, Chiparus’ mature
style flourished in the 1920s as he became known for his dynamic sculptures of
long slender appearance. He worked primarily under the Etling foundry, his
works were a classical manifestation of the Art Deco style, many of which are
still recognisable today. His main inspirations of dancers of the Russian
ballet, early motion pictures, ancient Egyptian art and French theatre can be
seen throughout his work including examples sold/to be sold at Bellmans
below.
A wonderful example of the work of Chiparus can be seen in this highlight from The Anthony Gardner Collection sold earlier this year. This impressive Art Deco patinated and gilt-bronze chryselephantine figure of the dancer of Kapurthala sold for £22,100* back in April.
One of the leading figures in the October sale is another by Chiparus entitled ‘Indiscreet’ a cold painted bronze and ivory figure from 1925 which is estimated at £4,000 - £6,000. The auction also includes a larger Chiparus figure, ‘Pierrot’ also of patinated bronze and ivory. The character archetype of Pierrot has existed since the late 17th century and has been used throughout the arts, poetry and fiction to represent pantomime and commedia dell'arte.
Both sculptures by Chiparus and Becquerel are included in our October Works of Art Auction alongside other notable sculpted works by Lucien Charles Edouard Alliot, Albert Hinrich Hussman and Ferdinand Preiss.
