393 - Demetre CHIPARUS (1886–1947)

Demetre CHIPARUS (1886–1947) Friends Forever Model created around 1925 Group sculpture in chryselephantine, made of ivory (for the bust and hands) and bronze with gold and bronze-colored patinas Signed "Chiparus" on the base Bears the circular inscription “L N / PARIS / L J” for Les Neveux de Jules Lehmann below the base Dimensions: H 28 x W 28.5 x D 6 cm, including the onyx-veneered base Weight: 4,848 Grs Earring hooks missing and a slight crack in the ivory at the back of the neck CITES No. FR2606200101-K issued by the DREAL on 10/01/2026 Appraiser: Cabinet Lacroix Jeannest This chryselephantine group in gilded bronze and ivory, designed by the renowned Romanian-born sculptor Demetre Chiparus, depicts an elegant woman wearing a richly ornamented dress and a cloche hat in the style of the Roaring Twenties. She is accompanied by two Borzoi hounds. This piece was a great success and ranks among the artist’s most sought-after works. To create this composition, the sculptor rented a Russian Borzoi for twenty-five days. Given the subject’s success, the sculptor produced the model in three different sizes (28, 42, and 63 cm). This is the smallest version, and therefore the rarest. It bears the foundry’s stamp, “Les Neveux de Jules Lehmann,” on the base. This foundry was one of the most important in the production and distribution of Art Deco works during the interwar period.