Germany, Berlin

Circa 1930

Philippe, Paul (Paul Philippe)

Bronze, ivory, marble (pedestal); bone carving, casting, gilding, patination

20.5 × 28 cm

Signature: “P. Philippe”; foundry mark: “Rosenthal & Maeder”

 

 

Text for the website

 

The dancer is shown in the splits, an unusual pose in cabinet sculpture that gives the statuette a markedly extended horizontal form. The wide spread of the legs is countered by the upright torso and raised arms, which introduce a vertical accent. The bronze costume is concentrated around the hips and develops into large draperies that partly cover the legs. Patination and gilding bring out the relief of the clothing and vary the metal surface, while the pale ivory of the head and hands has a smoother texture. The model is known by the artist’s title The Grand Split (Le grand écart respectueux). Around 1930 it was produced by the Berlin foundry Rosenthal & Maeder, whose mark is preserved on the work.

 

4579MC1232/ИЗО