Louis Icart Art Appraisal

"Sophistication" Bronze Figurine by Louis Icart

This is a cold-painted bronze sculpture titled "Sophistication," depicting a slender Art Deco-style female dancer in a dynamic, elegant pose. The figure is captured mid-motion, clutching the edges of her voluminous skirt which creates a dramatic, billowing silhouette. She wears a strapless corset-style bodice, long opera-length gloves, and a distinctive feathered headpiece that adds height and flair to the composition. The sculpture is mounted on a circular, multi-tiered dark marble or high-polish wood base. A small rectangular gold-tone plaque is affixed to the front of the base, inscribed with 'SOPHISTICATION BY ICART'. The metalwork features a dual-tone patina: the skin of the figure has a warm, satin bronze finish, while the dress and gloves exhibit a darker, verdigris or blackened patina for contrast. This piece is a late 20th-century reproduction in the style of Louis Icart (1888–1950), likely produced during the Art Deco revival period of the 1980s or 1990s. The craftsmanship is high, with smooth transitions in the metal and fine texturing in the fabric folds. The condition appears to be excellent, with minimal visible wear to the patina and no apparent structural damage or repairs. The base is clean, though some minor dust accumulation is present in the deep folds of the bronze drapery.