Erte Bronze Appraisal

Erte Rhapsody Bronze Sculpture

This appears to be the 'Rhapsody' sculpture by Erte (Romain de Tirtoff), a renowned Art Deco artist. The item depicts a stylized female figure, possibly crafted from cold-painted bronze or a similar composite material, with a cream-colored 'skin' tone for the exposed body parts (face, arms, legs) and blonde hair pulled back. She is draped in a flowing, metallic gold gown or fabric, which exhibits intricate patterned detailing along its edges, indicative of Art Deco stylization. The figure is dynamically posed, seemingly gliding or flying, with one leg extended backward and the other knee bent forward. Her left arm is extended, holding what appears to be a thin string or ribbon that leads to a star-shaped ornament at the very end of the 'glide' element. The figure is mounted on a sleek, aerodynamic, and curved support structure that forms the 'glider' or 'ski'. This support piece is primarily bronze-colored with silver or chrome-colored accents along its top edge, suggesting a polished metal finish. The entire sculpture rests on a white, oval-shaped base with a thin gold or bronze trim around its periphery. The craftsmanship is highly detailed, characteristic of Erte's work, emphasizing elegance, movement, and the Art Deco aesthetic. No visible damage such as chips, cracks, or significant wear is apparent from the images, suggesting good to excellent condition. The metallic finishes appear well-preserved, and the cold-painted areas show no obvious flaking. This piece embodies the glamour and sophistication of the Art Deco period, likely dating from the late 20th century, corresponding to Erte's later works.