Josef Lorenzl Signed Gilt Bronze Art Deco Ballerina Figurine Sculpture

Josef Lorenzl Signed Gilt Bronze Art Deco Ballerina On Onyx, Circa 1925

Highlights

Original Austrian Art Deco gilt bronze ballerina by Josef Lorenzl.

Circa 1925.

Signed Lorenzl to the reverse of the raised circular bronze base.

Elegant ballerina poised gracefully upon one leg.

Characteristic elongated legs, closed eyes and stylised Art Deco silhouette.

Fine gilt bronze casting with attractive period patination.

Mounted upon an architectural onyx plinth with bronze fittings.

Documented Lyon and Turnbull, Edinburgh provenance.

Subsequently curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution from Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Introduction

A refined and highly decorative Austrian Art Deco gilt bronze ballerina by the celebrated Viennese sculptor Josef Lorenzl, 1892-1950, dating to circa 1925.

The ballerina is captured in a beautifully poised position, balancing upon one leg while her elongated form creates an elegant and distinctive silhouette. Her head is raised and her eyes closed, lending the composition an atmosphere of serenity and graceful concentration.

The slender proportions, long elegant legs and sophisticated pose are characteristic of the female figures for which Lorenzl became particularly celebrated during the Art Deco period.

Flowing drapery introduces a further sense of movement and provides an elegant counterpoint to the verticality of the figure.

Finely cast in gilt bronze, the ballerina stands upon a raised circular bronze base above an architectural onyx plinth with bronze fittings. The combination of warm gilt bronze and polished stone gives the sculpture a luxurious decorative presence characteristic of sophisticated European Art Deco interiors.

Signed Lorenzl to the reverse of the raised circular bronze base.

Catalogue Details

Artist: Josef Lorenzl, Austrian, 1892-1950

Date: Circa 1925

Period: Early 20th Century, Art Deco

Country of Origin: Austria

Medium: Gilt bronze

Base: Onyx with bronze fittings

Signature: Signed Lorenzl

Subject: Ballerina

Auction History: Lyon and Turnbull, Edinburgh, 16 October 2024, Lot 461

Catalogue Note

Josef Lorenzl's elegant female figures occupy a distinctive position within Austrian Art Deco sculpture.

His work is particularly recognised for elongated limbs, slender silhouettes and sophisticated poses that capture the glamour, movement and modernity of the interwar period.

The present ballerina displays these qualities particularly effectively. Her carefully balanced stance creates an impression of suspended movement, while her raised head and closed eyes lend the composition an elegant, almost dreamlike character.

The gilt bronze surface accentuates the sculptural modelling as light moves across the elongated form. Below, the architectural onyx plinth provides a handsome material contrast and a strong geometric foundation for the figure.

The sculpture also benefits from documented modern auction provenance. It appeared at Lyon and Turnbull, Edinburgh, on 16 October 2024 as Lot 461 in DESIGN Since 1860 ft. An Aesthetic Interior: The Contents of a London Apartment, where it was catalogued as Josef Lorenzl, 1892-1950.

Combining a recognisable Lorenzl aesthetic, artist's signature, elegant period materials and documented auction history, this is an appealing example for collectors of Austrian Art Deco and European decorative sculpture.

The Artist

Josef Lorenzl, 1892-1950, was an Austrian sculptor and ceramic designer whose elegant female figures became closely associated with the visual language of Art Deco.

Born in Vienna, Lorenzl developed his knowledge of bronze casting through his work at the Vienna Arsenal. His sculptural career became particularly associated with fashionable female figures distinguished by slender proportions, elongated legs and graceful, theatrical poses.

Lorenzl worked extensively in bronze and also produced chryselephantine sculpture combining bronze with ivory.

His artistic practice extended into ceramics. Lorenzl produced designs for the renowned Viennese manufacturer Goldscheider and was additionally associated with other manufacturers including Keramos.

His surviving female figures remain internationally collected examples of Austrian Art Deco decorative sculpture.

Provenance

Private collection, London.

Lyon and Turnbull, Edinburgh, DESIGN Since 1860 ft. An Aesthetic Interior: The Contents of a London Apartment, 16 October 2024, Lot 461, catalogued as Josef Lorenzl, 1892-1950.

Acquired from the above sale and subsequently curated and held in the collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

The Lyon and Turnbull purchase documentation forms part of the recorded provenance history of the sculpture.

Dimensions

Height: 29.5 cm

Width of ballerina: 16 cm

Width of base: 12 cm

Depth of base: 7 cm

Condition Report

Presented in fine used period condition with attractive age-related patination.

General surface wear, minor rubbing and scuffing are present commensurate with age and previous handling, including natural age-related variation and wear to the gilt surface.

There is a very small chip to the lower onyx base.

Please refer to the accompanying photographs as part of the condition assessment.

Worldwide Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

The sculpture will be professionally packed for transit, with particular attention given to protecting both the gilt bronze ballerina and onyx plinth.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.

Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.