"Dancer with a theatrical mask" is conceived as a small but striking theatrical statuette. The mask is the key attribute and introduces the theme of theatre, which was highly popular in the decorative arts of the 1920s. Gilt and patinated bronze creates a rich surface for the costume, while the pale ivory of the exposed parts of the body is more smoothly and finely worked. The small scale reinforces the work’s intimate character and invites close viewing of the details. A stepped black-marble base provides a strict geometric support; the combination of dark stone, metal, and pale ivory accords well with the material aesthetics of Art Deco.

minimize...