PREFACE Over 22 years ago, I wrote for the first time a preface for this book. We have both grown together since then. It is with immense pleasure and satisfaction that I am now confronted with the task of revising, editing and above all adding new material and information to this book. The awareness for the work of Chiparus has changed considerably. He has risen to the top of the Art Deco sculptors in the field of decorative arts. His paintings, though scarce have also been followed and appreciated. The market for his works has also changed; there are new players in it. However, what has not changed is the excitement and fun of discovering new pieces by this
multifaceted artist. It is rare to discover new works by him but certainly not impossible and when one does find them, the initial joy has to be tempered with caution and diligence. The result can be overwhelmingly pleasurable. I am still amazed at the places where these figures and its information does appear. There is no constant, there is no pattern: from filthy flea markets to important collections and passionate ones too. It is interesting to note that in 1929 the prices for different models of figures did not vary that much according to subject matter as is the case today.
Wheelbarrow (group of children, 19cm high): 3,300 francs
Dancer of Kapurthala (small size, 37cm high): 1,925 francs
Chiparus prices in 1929 at the L.N.J.L. Gallery (Lehmann Editeur) in Paris: Today prices for different models have enormous variations according to: Subject matter: the exotic art deco dancers are the most searched ones, however other subjects are well regarded. Scarcity: certain of those models are considerably rarer than others. Condition: a figure in good condition will always attract a premium.
Friends Forever (medium size, 43cm high): 4,600 francs 8
Several new bronze figures have been added and I put together several terracotta and ceramic ones with its new information. I have included some figures of the children series. I have added a newly discovered painting. There is an interesting series of rare sanguines. This only attests the fact that despite Chiparus’ fame as a sculptor, he did consider himself a painter.
Size: this is not a factor, it is a fashion. At times, the larger sizes are in demand and command a higher price, at other times the smaller models are the most wanted and those prices tend to increase.
This book is still not a catalogue raisonnĂŠ.
No image has been removed from older editions. However, I have re-arranged them to give the most exposure to each figure and I have added relevant information on them. I replaced names of figures when originals ones were discovered and verified.
I have traced many figures that eluded me for decades, they are included here and each discovery is a magical moment. Some I continue to see only as published images. However, my biggest challenge is to find the Sunburst Dress. I know it is out there and I shall persevere.
I kept the original ownership of the artwork. With the passing of time, these may now belong to others.
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