RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc Presents: Ask the Appraiser

I recently inherited this statue from my uncle’s estate in Westchester. He was what I would call a serious art and antique collector for most of his adult life. He frequently would travel throughout Europe and return with all types of art. I remember the statue in question being in his living room, among many other treasures, as he would call them. It measures 17 inches tall and is quite heavy. I’ve tried to find information concerning this statue but have been unsuccessful. My husband is an avid reader of your column, so he suggested I send you several photos. Please let us know, if possible, its age, origin and value. Although we find it quite interesting, it is not our taste, and it doesn’t fit in with our decor. If it is saleable, please let us know your opinion with respect to selling it. Thank you in advance.

Lori 

The statue that you are inquiring about is actually a gilt bronze figural table lamp, by the important French sculptor, Francois-Raoul Larche (1860-1912). It is titled, “Loie Fuller” and was produced in the late nineteenth century, during the Art Nouveau period, at the “Siot-Decauville” foundry in Paris. This two light lamp has the light bulbs concealed within the flowing drapery.  The actual subject of this magnificent bronze is the famous American born theatrical performer. Loie Fuller (1862-1928), hence the title. She is being depicted performing her famous “Dance of the Lily.” She was even painted by Toulouse Lautrec, the renowned French painter, performing this dance in 1892. In addition to being a dancer, Fuller was a light set designer and costume maker. She invented a wooden structure to lengthen the movement of her arms to make the fabric of her costumes fly high above her. Whether she was performing as a butterfly, a flower petal unfolding, a dazzling prism or a simple snowflake she was able to evoke each of those images during her swirling, spiraling “Serpentine Dance.” Fuller’s performance, during which she was decked out in white silks and beautifully illuminated by colorful spotlights, opened up new possibilities for dance choreography, radically transformed stage production technology and inspired many artists of the late nineteenth century. To this day, her talent is being recognized. During Taylor Swift’s 2018 “Reputation Tour” a featured segment was dedicated to Fuller, where several dancers recreated this famous “Serpentine Dance.” Now that I’ve given you a little background on the subject matter, let’s get back to your bronze. It appears you missed the cast and impressed signature and foundry mark to the base, ‘Raoul Larche Siot-Decauville Fondeurs Paris.’ This French Art Nouveau sculptor is known for his rendering of the female form. He is best known for his highly regarded Lois Fuller statues, such as the one you now own. It depicts Fuller, in suspended animation with her dress undulating like a flame overhead. The condition appears overall excellent, with an attractive antique patina, which accentuates the folds throughout the entire statue. The current value of this magnificent bronze is 8000 USD. In the last year, I have personally sold a similar example at the Miami Beach Antique Show. I wish also to inform you that at the present time, a similar model is on display at Macklowe Gallery on Park Avenue in New York City. This particular firm deals exclusively with high end Art Nouveau period items. As far as selling such a desirable item, my suggestion would be a major auction house that specializes in Art Nouveau design and style. The names of the two auctions in New York City that I have personally dealt with for many years I will supply under separate cover. I trust this information is helpful to you and I wish you much success in selling this outstanding work