Lute Player Sculpture Appraisal

Peter Tereszczuk Art Nouveau Chryselephantine Sculpture of a Lute Player

This is an authentic Art Nouveau chryselephantine sculpture created by the renowned Austrian sculptor Peter Tereszczuk (1875-1963), active in Vienna. The piece is constructed from cold-cast bronze with hand-carved ivory elements, specifically for the head and hands, which is a hallmark of the chryselephantine style popular during the Belle Époque. The figure depicts a seated young woman elegantly dressed in a wide, ruffled period skirt, delicately strumming a lute or mandolin. The bronze displays a deep, rich brown patina with darker recesses that highlight the fine texture of the fabric folds and the intricate details of the musical instrument. The sculpture is mounted on a stepped rectangular base, likely made of stone or polished bronze. The ivory face shows a characteristic pale hue, though minor natural age-related discoloration might be present upon closer inspection. As noted, the work bears the signature 'P. Tereszczuk' and likely features the foundry mark of Arthur Rubinstein (AR), his primary collaborator. The craftsmanship is of high quality, demonstrating the fluid, soft lines and romanticized sentimentality typical of the Viennese Secession movement and early 20th-century decorative arts. The condition appears stable, though consistent with an item over 100 years old, showing some minor wear to the patina and slight dust accumulation in the crevices.