Peter Tereszczuk Chryselephantine Bronze And Ivory Lute Player Figure Appraisal

Peter Tereszczuk Chryselephantine Bronze and Ivory Lute Player Figure

This is a detailed chryselephantine sculpture by the renowned Austrian-Ukrainian artist Peter Tereszczuk, created circa 1900-1920. The piece depicts a young woman seated on a chair while playing a lute, showcasing the signature Art Nouveau and early Art Deco style common of the period. The figure is constructed from cast bronze with a rich dark patination, representing the full-skirted dress and the body of the instrument. The skin surfaces, including the head, neck, and hands, are meticulously carved from ivory (as noted in the context), a technique known as chryselephantine. The woman wears a voluminous, multi-tiered ruffled gown that demonstrates high-quality casting with realistic depth and movement. She is mounted upon a pedestal base that appears to be made of onyx or a similar banded green stone. The work is signed 'P. Tereszczuk', identifying its origin from his celebrated foundry in Vienna. Notable details include the delicate carving of the hair and facial features, which remain well-defined despite the material's age. The bronze shows a soft luster on the raised edges of the folds, indicating long-term care, while the ivory components exhibit a creamy natural patina. There are no immediate signs of significant cracking or structural repair visible in the photograph, though ivory of this age often exhibits microscopic 'Schreger lines' or faint hairline checking. The ensemble represents the high craftsmanship and sentimental aesthetic typical of the Viennese sculpture movement at the turn of the century.