Josef Lorenzl Austrian (1892-1950) Art Deco Gilt Bronze Ballerina on Onyx c.1925

Josef Lorenzl (Austrian, 1892–1950) Austrian Art Deco Gilt Bronze Ballerina on Onyx, circa 1925 An elegant signed gilt bronze ballerina by Josef Lorenzl, displaying the elongated proportions and graceful movement synonymous with Austrian Art Deco, with documented Lyon & Turnbull provenance. Highlights: * Original Austrian Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture by Josef Lorenzl * Circa 1925 * Signed “Lorenzl” * Graceful ballerina poised upon one leg * Distinctive elongated legs and closed eyes * Attractive gilt surface with period patination * Mounted upon an architectural onyx plinth * Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh, 16 October 2024, Lot 461 * Subsequently curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® * Supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution from Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® Introduction: A particularly elegant 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 as her elongated figure rises into a graceful silhouette. Her head is raised and her eyes closed, lending the composition a serene quality, while the flowing drapery introduces movement and visual rhythm. Lorenzl's characteristic interpretation of the female form is evident in the exceptionally slender proportions, long elegant legs and sophisticated theatrical pose. Finely cast in gilt bronze, the figure stands upon a raised circular bronze platform above an architectural onyx plinth with bronze fittings. Signed “Lorenzl” to the reverse of the raised circular bronze base. Catalogue Details Artist: Josef Lorenzl (Austrian, 1892–1950) Date: Circa 1925 Period: Art Deco / Early 20th Century Origin: Austria Medium: Gilt bronze Base: Onyx with bronze fittings Signature: Signed “Lorenzl” Subject: Ballerina Catalogue Note Josef Lorenzl became particularly celebrated for elegant female figures whose elongated silhouettes and expressive poses captured the sophisticated modernity of the Art Deco period. The present ballerina exemplifies this aesthetic. Her carefully balanced stance creates the impression of suspended movement, while the closed eyes and upward inclination of the head introduce a sense of graceful introspection. The warm gilt surface enhances the modelling of the figure and contrasts attractively with the polished onyx plinth. The sculpture also benefits from documented auction provenance. It appeared at Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh, on **16 October 2024**, as **Lot 461** in *DESIGN Since 1860 ft. An Aesthetic Interior: The Contents of a London Apartment*, catalogued as **Josef Lorenzl (1892–1950)**. A highly decorative example of Austrian Art Deco sculpture with a recognisable Lorenzl aesthetic, artist's signature and established modern auction history. The Artist: Josef Lorenzl (1892–1950) was an Austrian sculptor and ceramic designer whose elegant female figures became closely associated with Art Deco. Born in Vienna, Lorenzl developed his knowledge of bronze casting through his employment at the Vienna Arsenal. He became particularly recognised for slender female figures and dancers characterised by elongated legs, stylised proportions and graceful theatrical poses. Lorenzl worked extensively in bronze and also produced chryselephantine sculpture combining bronze and ivory. His talents extended to ceramics, and he produced designs for the renowned Viennese manufacturer Goldscheider. His work was additionally associated with other ceramic manufacturers, including Keramos. Following Lorenzl's death in Vienna in 1950, his widow Anna is reported to have destroyed a considerable number of his models. His surviving figures remain internationally collected examples of Austrian Art Deco decorative sculpture. Provenance: Private collection, London. Lyon & 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 & Turnbull purchase documentation forms part of the recorded provenance history of the sculpture. Dimensions Height: 29.5cm Width of ballerina: 16cm Width of base: 12cm Depth of base: 7cm 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. 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