Art Deco sculpture

Beautiful French Art Deco bronze sculpture representing a dancer, by Joseph Emmanuel Descomps-Cormier, in an elegant standing pose with arms open holding a drape. The work is signed "J.E. Descomps" on the base. Large model, very heavy. The sculpture features two distinct patinas: a green patina on the drape and a dark brown patina on the rest, creating a refined contrast typical of the Art Deco aesthetic. Joseph Emmanuel Descomps (1872-1948) was a renowned French sculptor and jeweller. He used casting, engraving, and enamelling techniques to create finely crafted jewellery. He received his initial training from Alexandre Falguière and H. Hiolin, a metal engraver and designer. In 1883, he became a member of the Société des Artistes Français and quickly gained a solid reputation. In 1898, he received an honourable mention for several works, including two small statues and three gold brooches titled Insouciance, Le Sommeil, and Enfant Nénuphar. In 1900, Descomps left his workshop at 399 rue des Pyrénées to settle at 37 rue du Moulin-Vert in Paris. From this address, he exhibited jewellery cast by the houses of Louchet and Rambour. In 1908, he participated in an exhibition at the Musée Galliera titled "Precious Ornaments for the Head." His jewellery creations often featured sculpted female figures integrated into naturalistic compositions inspired by floral and pastoral themes, reflecting the artistic and decorative sensitivity that characterises his entire body of work.