GATSBY’S WORLD COMES TO BONHAMS
ALMERIA IS STAR OF THE SALE
ESTIMATED AT £200,000-£300,000
Gatsby’s dazzling world will be recreated in a London saleroom when art works and furniture from the sparkling art deco era are sold in the 20th Century Decorative Arts sale on Wednesday 19th June at Bonhams.
With Gatsby fever upon us, the roaring twenties jazz age is back in vogue. A host of dancing flapper girl studies lead the way in the auction with period furnishings and art deco lighting to complete the scene. This season, the fashion world has revived the shimmering beadwork, scarlet lips and modern clean cut lines of the art deco period. Bonhams now brings you the opulent interiors of Gatsby’s world to match.
Alméria, a rare and iconic bronze and ivory sculpture by Chiparus is the star of the sale, created circa 1925 and estimated at £200,000-300,000. Almeria is thought to be modelled on the ballerina and choreographer, Bronislava Nijinska, who was a pioneer in modernizing ballet. She is one of Chiparus’ most rare and visually dramatic studies. Only around five studies would have been produced due to the expense in creating the work.
Mark Oliver, Director of Decorative Arts department said, “Almeria is probably in the top three most desirable Chiparus figures ever produced and one that is rarely available at auction.”
Chiparus (1886-1947) was a Romanian sculptor and artist who lived and worked in Paris. French theatre, Russian ballet dancers and stars of early motion pictures were often the subject of his works.
Deco emerged in the interwar period when new technology was transforming culture. It is defined by modern geometric shapes and lavish decoration and influenced by futurism and cubism. The war had broken down rigid cultural barriers and propelled society into an exciting new age. A dizzy celebration of peacetime ensued.
Bonhams
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com Prior to sale there are several days of viewing which collectors and the general public are welcome to attend.
