«The dreamer» is an intimate sculpture whose expressiveness is achieved almost entirely through the modelling of ivory. The calm pose and introspective character of the figure suit the work’s small scale, intended for close viewing. The carving softly models the face, hair, and contours of the body, while polishing gives the surface an even, subdued glow. The absence of bronze, so common in decorative sculpture of the period, makes the natural tone and fine working of the ivory especially noticeable. The onyx-and-slate base introduces contrasting stone textures and emphasizes the concise character of this statuette, created around 1920.

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