What are the defining characteristics of Art Deco bronze sculptures?

Art Deco bronze sculptures, prominent from the 1920s to 1930s, typically feature dynamic stylised human figures, often dancers or performers, emphasising motion, geometric symmetry, and theatrical poses.

How were early 20th-century gilt bronze figures constructed?

These sculptures were generally cast using the lost-wax process before receiving a gilded finish or chemical patination. They were traditionally mounted on carved stone or marble pedestals, such as onyx or alabaster.

How can you identify authentic Art Deco bronze figures?

Authentic period pieces often feature foundry marks, artist signatures etched directly into the metal, precise hand-chased surface details, and age-appropriate wear on the underside of the base.

How do you style an Art Deco bronze figure in a modern interior?

Display the sculpture as a central feature on a mantelpiece, sideboard top, or inside a curated shelving unit where directional light can highlight the metallic finish and sculptural contours.

How should you clean and preserve an antique gilt bronze sculpture?

Dust regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth or soft-bristled brush. Avoid chemical solvents or abrasive metal polishes, as these can strip the original gilded surface layer.

for sale €4,271 $4,636

£3,650

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Claire Colinet Bronze

Bronze Dancer Figurine

20th Century Bronze Sculpture

Id #SA1085796

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Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

Name: Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1085796
Price: 3650 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Hickmet Fine Arts

Description

Charming early 20th Century French Art Deco gilt and enamel bronze figure of a dancer in balanced pose holding juggling balls, with very fine gilt and enamel colour and excellent detail, signed Cl.J.R.Colinet and raised on shaped circular marble base

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 37 cm

Width: 21 cm

Depth: 20 cm

Condition: Excellent Original Condition

Circa: 1925

Materials: Bronze & Marble

Book Ref: Art Deco & Other Figures by Bryan Catley

Page: 119

SKU: 9214

ABOUT

Colinet

Claire Jeanne Roberte Colinet (1880–1950) was French sculptor of Belgian birth who worked during the early-to-mid 20th century. The subject matter of her best known work was primarily Arab female dancers. The majority of her career output in sculpture can be classified as being of the Art Deco style.

Colinet was a frequent exhibitor at the Salon des Artistes Francais and Salon des Independents art exhibitions in Paris. Her sculptures, most of which depicted beautifully figured, energized, and dramatic female forms, were exhibited posthumously at the Paris Salon for nearly 30 years.

Early Life

Colinet was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1880. Little is known about her life other than the artwork she produced during a successful career that spanned more than 40 years. As a woman, she was in the minority in her chosen field of sculpture during the era in which she worked and lived.

Career

At an undetermined date – probably around 1910 – Colinet emigrated to Paris, France, where she studied sculpture under the watchful eye of Jef Lambeaux and exhibited for the first time at the Salon des Artistes Francais in 1913 and became a permanent member of the organization in 1929. From 1937 to 1940, she exhibited at the Salon des Independents in Paris and joined the Union of Women Painters and Sculptors. Colinet's work is primarily done in the Art Deco style, and her models included odalisques, exotic dancers, jugglers and artists of cabaret.

A number of her female dancer pieces were influenced by a revival of the Orientalism movement which had been popular in Europe from about 1860 to 1880. Her preferred casting material was bronze; however, a number of her most distinguished sculptures are chryselephantine, being a combination of both bronze and ivory.

Colinet's sculpture has become highly desirable to collectors and, increasingly, is selling for exorbitant sums. At a Christie's sale on 4 May 2007, her Ankara Dancer statue from circa 1930 sold for a hammer price of $285,984.

Physical Dimensions

Height

37cm (14.57")

Width

21cm (8.27")

Depth

20cm (7.87")

Declaration

Hickmet Fine Arts has dated this Art Deco Bronze Sculpture to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1085796

Dealers Internal Reference

9214

Dealers Notes

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Description

fig 1. An Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture depicting a female juggler balancing small spheres on a circular onyx base. — fig 1. Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 37 cm

Width: 21 cm

Depth: 20 cm

Condition: Excellent Original Condition

fig 2. An Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture depicting a female juggler balancing small spheres on a circular onyx base. — fig 2. Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

Circa: 1925

Materials: Bronze & Marble

Book Ref: Art Deco & Other Figures by Bryan Catley

Page: 119

fig 3. An Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture depicting a female juggler balancing small spheres on a circular onyx base. — fig 3. Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

SKU: 9214

ABOUT

Colinet

“

Claire Jeanne Roberte Colinet (1880–1950) was French sculptor of Belgian birth who worked during the early-to-mid 20th century.

Hickmet Fine Arts

The subject matter of her best known work was primarily Arab female dancers. The majority of her career output in sculpture can be classified as being of the Art Deco style.

fig 4. An Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture depicting a female juggler balancing small spheres on a circular onyx base. — fig 4. Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

Colinet was a frequent exhibitor at the Salon des Artistes Francais and Salon des Independents art exhibitions in Paris. Her sculptures, most of which depicted beautifully figured, energized, and dramatic female forms, were exhibited posthumously at the Paris Salon for nearly 30 years.

fig 5. An Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture depicting a female juggler balancing small spheres on a circular onyx base. — fig 5. Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

Early Life

Colinet was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1880. Little is known about her life other than the artwork she produced during a successful career that spanned more than 40 years. As a woman, she was in the minority in her chosen field of sculpture during the era in which she worked and lived.

fig 6. An Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture depicting a female juggler balancing small spheres on a circular onyx base. — fig 6. Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

Career

At an undetermined date – probably around 1910 – Colinet emigrated to Paris, France, where she studied sculpture under the watchful eye of Jef Lambeaux and exhibited for the first time at the Salon des Artistes Francais in 1913 and became a permanent member of the organization in 1929. From 1937 to 1940, she exhibited at the Salon des Independents in Paris and joined the Union of Women Painters and Sculptors. Colinet's work is primarily done in the Art Deco style, and her models included odalisques, exotic dancers, jugglers and artists of cabaret.

fig 7. An Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture depicting a female juggler balancing small spheres on a circular onyx base. — fig 7. Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

A number of her female dancer pieces were influenced by a revival of the Orientalism movement which had been popular in Europe from about 1860 to 1880. Her preferred casting material was bronze; however, a number of her most distinguished sculptures are chryselephantine, being a combination of both bronze and ivory.

fig 8. An Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture depicting a female juggler balancing small spheres on a circular onyx base. — fig 8. Early 20th Century Art Deco Bronze Entitled "The Juggler" by Claire Colinet

Colinet's sculpture has become highly desirable to collectors and, increasingly, is selling for exorbitant sums. At a Christie's sale on 4 May 2007, her Ankara Dancer statue from circa 1930 sold for a hammer price of $285,984.