Untitled - Heather James Fine Art

Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947)
Civa (Shiva)
Cold-painted, patinated and enameled bronze and ivory
21 in. high
1925
2911
Demetre Haralamb Chiparus lived and worked in Paris as an extremely prolific and respected Art Deco sculptor of the early 20th century. Born in Romania in 1886, Chiparus
soon moved to Italy and began attending classes taught by Italian sculptor Raffaello
Romanelli. Shortly after, he moved to Paris and enrolled in the Ecole des Beaux Arts to
pursue his artistic career. Here he was able to attend classes taught by Antonin Mercie
and Jean Boucher, both famous and well respected artists during this period.
Chiparus’ sculptures represent the classical manifestation found in the Art Deco style,
drawing influence from Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, ancient Egyptian Art, Frenchtheatre and early motion pictures. His figures were typified with a long, slender, stylized
appearance combining the elegance and luxury embodying the spirit of the Art Deco
epoch.
His first sculptures exhibited at the Salon in 1914 were created in a realistic fashion, employing a combination of bronze and ivory, called chryselephantine. This material allowed
for Chiparus’ work to maintain the strong, dramatic and stylized structure his decorative
sculptures so famously possess. Collectors’ interest for his work appeared in the 1970’s
and has continued to flourish since the 1990’s.
Civa (Shiva) is one of the principal deities of Hinduism and Chiparus used this female
figure as a representation of exoticism of the east. Signed ‘Chiparus’ at the base, this
sculpture represents an important example of the Art Deco style. Meditating in the lotus
position, the sculpture recalls the eastern style dances of the Ballets Russes.
346 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949. 494.8200
www.roh rerfinea rt.com
45-188 Port ola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92660
760. 346. 8926
www.he athe rjames.com
73-080 El Paseo, #5
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760. 346. 8926
www.he athe rjames.com