Romee Kanis

Vasily- 21st Century Sculpture of a ballet dancer sitting and tidying her shoe

2020

Sandra 45 x 34 x 24 cn Bronze The theme van der Kraan likes most is to show the growing of young girls. Living in their own world. Like this girl watching...

Marjolein 76 x 26 x 15 cm Bronze The theme van der Kraan likes most is to show the growing of young girls. Living in their own world. Like this girl watching...

Sitting Ballerina Tying Shoe Vintage bronze sculpture of a ballerina tying shoe, signed N. Abrams brown, green patina.

'Attitude' by Benson Landes is a stunning 20th Century Solid Bronze Nude Figurative Ballet Dancer. For Benson Landes, sculpture was most definitely a passion. His oeuvre of cast bronzes is populated with ‘off duty’ ballet dancers, rather wistful women, often caught in moments of solitary repose. Such an obvious appreciation of the grace and elegance of the female form was, no doubt, heightened by 25 years spent in the couture business, which Benson entered at the age of 14. The sculptor admitted that his time as an apprentice at his father’s clothing workroom and factory was given rather reluctantly, as he always harbored desires to become an artist. The young boy’s sense of responsibility was clearly equal to his creativity, though, as Benson knuckled down and learned the family trade. At the age of 18, however, a 2 year conscription to the RAF provided one of the few opportunities for Benson to experience artistic freedom. The possibilities of otherwise unobtainable materials such as pastels, paper, perspex and plaster of paris fuelled his ingenuity at the base’s well-stocked workshop. On completion of his RAF service, Benson briefly returned to the clothing factory now owned by his father. After his marriage to Ruth at 21, in an effort to provide for his new wife, Benson decided to set up his own business. Starting with a single sewing machine and tailoress, Benson and Ruth soon expanded the business. By the 1970s they employed over 50 staff and supplied to prestigious stores such as Dickens & Jones and Harrods. As the decade progressed, however, fashion turned towards less structured, more casual garments; a trend that prompted Benson to retire and spend time with his first love, sculpture. Buoyed by the liberty he enjoyed in his studio, Benson succeeded in selling some of his first pieces of sculpture, a collection of sporting trophies...