Romanian sculptor Demetre Chiparus — who is sometimes referred to as Dumitru Chiparus or Dimitri Chiparus — was a renowned Art Deco-era artist most often associated with realism. He initially created sculptures that featured small children. As his work began to mature, he continued to create figurative sculptures but shifted his focus, and his output was marked by an appreciation for the lithe female form — a popular subject during the 1920s. Chiparus was later known for his animal sculptures, too.
Chiparus lived comfortably as an artist owing in part to his family fortune. At the age of 23, he moved to Italy and began his formal art and sculpting studies under Italian sculptor Raffaello Romanelli. Following his time in Italy, he moved to Paris where he attended L'École des Beaux-Arts. He studied under sculptors Antonin Mercie and Jean Boucher. He was inspired by the Russian Ballet, French theater and early motion pictures.
Though he wouldn’t sell many of his pieces during his lifetime, Chiparus was well known for his bright and colorful busts and sculptures featuring dancing ladies. He was equally inspired by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb — a common influence for designers and artists of the Art Deco era — which is obvious in his references to Egyptian themes in his decorative objects and other realist works.
Chiparus worked with a combination of ivory and bronze to create chryselephantine sculptures, a method and type of sculpture that was particularly popular during the Archaic period. The bases of his pieces were typically made of marble or onyx and he adorned his life-like subjects with vibrant enamel that lent a touch of whimsicality to his art.
Chiparus exhibited his works at the Salon of 1914 and lived in Paris until his death. A range of his sculptures is held in the permanent collection of the Museo Art Nouveau and Art Deco in Spain.
Find original Demetre Chiparus decorative objects, sculptures and other works on 1stDibs.
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base Good...
Bronze
Art Deco Bronze Figure Dancer by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus (1886 - 1947) Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base...
Bronze
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Cabaret Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 66 cms. alt. without base 55, and 22cm aroung...
Bronze
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 56cms. alt. total and 19 cms. diam. base ( 22.04 x 7.48 ) inches Excellent condition. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era. Sculptures of Chiparus represent the classical manifestation of Art Deco style in decorative bronze and ivory sculpture. Traditionally, four factors influenced his creative activity *the Russian Ballets of Serge Diaghilev's, Nijinsky and Rubinstein *ancient Egyptian art, *French theatre, music halls and cabarets *Early motion pictures and fashion magazines with dancers, stars and models Which made him create figures with a long, slender, stylized appearance. like the faces of “Persian Dance” and the dress in “Starfish Girl” exactly reproduces the sketch for Goldfish's dress from the ballet “Underwater kingdom” by Lev Annensky. After the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922, the art of ancient Egypt...
Bronze
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base Good condition. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era. Sculptures of Chiparus represent the classical manifestation of Art Deco style in decorative bronze and ivory sculpture...
Bronze
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: height 37cm and 22 cms. diam. base Excellent c...
Bronze
Art Deco Tall Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 67 cms. alt. total and 49 cms. diam. base (26,37 x 19,29) Excelent condition. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era. Sculptures of Chiparus represent the classical manifestation of Art Deco style in decorative bronze and ivory sculpture. Traditionally, four factors influenced his creative activity *the Russian Ballets of Serge Diaghilev's, Nijinsky and Rubinstein *ancient Egyptian art, *French theatre, music halls and cabarets *Early motion pictures and fashion magazines with dancers, stars and models Which made him create figures with a long, slender, stylized appearance. like the faces of “Persian Dance” and the dress in “Starfish Girl” exactly reproduces the sketch for Goldfish's dress from the ballet “Underwater kingdom” by Lev Annensky. After the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922, the art of ancient Egypt...
Bronze
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Arlequin Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 36 cms. with base and 28cm alt. total and 19 c...
Bronze
Art Deco Nudy Lady Thermometer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Celluloid nude lady Art Deco thermometer.
$13,000
H 12.6 in W 29.53 in D 6.3 in
Demetre Chiparus 'Echo' Sculpture, Spelter & Onyx, Art Deco, 1920
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
An exceptional French Art Deco sculpture by renowned sculptor Demetre Chiparus (1886–1947), titled Echo, created during the 1920s. This highly sought-after model depicts a graceful y...
Onyx, Marble, Spelter
French Art Deco Style Bronze of Dancer After Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 20 1/2in W: 15in D: 6in This French Art Deco Style Bronze of Dancer After Chiparus is truly a work of art! If you look at the photos provided you will see the atten...
Marble, Bronze
$799 / set
H 7.5 in W 4.25 in D 3 in
Antique Art Deco Bronze Figural Male & Female Character Sculptural Bookends
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of Art Deco bronze figural bookends are signed, but the artist could not be identified. It is presumed this pair of bookends was made in Austria in approximately 1920 in th...
Granite, Bronze
Art Deco Bronze Figure by D.H. Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Demetre H. Chiparus, "Bles," bronze figure of a young girl with a wheat garland, green and gold patinated bronze raised on a black marble base, signed. Ref. in Alberto Shay...
Marble, Bronze
$1,180
H 7.29 in W 3.35 in D 3.35 in
Art Deco Pelican Le Verrier Sculpture Car Mascot Paperweight Packet Watch Holder
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Bird sculpture / car mascot / paperweight / packet watch holder. Art Deco "Pelican Max Le Verrier " Genuine period sculpture. Excellent condition. Silvere...
Metal
$9,995
H 17.5 in W 11 in D 3 in
Demetre Haralamb Chiparus (1886 - 1947), Art Deco Dancer Bronze Sculpture
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Germantown, MD
Demetre Haralamb Chiparus (French/Romanian 1886 - 1947), Art Deco Dancers, Bronze Sculpture On Marble Plinth. Demétre H Chiparus Antique Bronze Art Deco Dancer...
Marble, Bronze
$1,117
H 12 in W 12 in D 1 in
Stylish Early 1900s Art Deco Bronze Wall Plaque of Jesus Christ by S. Norga
By Sylvain Norga
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully handcrafted and meaningful religious plaque. This heavy and high quality bronze wall plaque depicts Christ with a realistic crown of thorns and a stylized Art Deco halo ...
Bronze
Art Deco Figure Nude Woman Dancer Bronze Sculpture - Italy
By C. Rossi 1
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Italian figure of a woman dancig with a music instrument. Sculpture of a dancing nude girl. Bronze with a dark green patina. Mounted over a marble base. We have specializ...
Bronze
$52,030
H 22.05 in W 15.75 in D 4.73 in
Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Sculpture “Phoenician Dancer” by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in London, GB
A superb cold-painted Art Deco bronze figure of a Ballet Russes dancer in full costume, captured in an elegant and dynamic pose. The sculpture displays exceptional enamel-painted dec...
Marble, Bronze
$9,850Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 17.25 in D 11.25 in
French 19th Century Bronze Military Figure of "Blandan" after Jean Gautherin
By Jean Gautherin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th century patinated bronze figure of the French hero of the Algerian conquest, Jean-Pierre Hippolyte Blandan (1819-1842) after the French Sculptor Jean Gautheri...
Bronze
Art Deco Egyptian Dancer in the Manner of Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A topless dancer in Egyptian style dress in a dance pose. Hi cast bronze with fine details and multi patina finish. Mounted on a Pyramid design Black marble base. The base with a gold finished plaque with a musician playing a harp. Has marked name in bottom RH corner. Will require special packing and shipping for safe delivery. Title is ( The Egyptian Dancer...
Bronze
Sold
H 14.18 in Dm 14.57 in
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base Good condition. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era. Sculptures of Chiparus represent the classical manifestation of Art Deco style in decorative bronze and ivory sculpture. Traditionally, four factors influenced his creative activity *the Russian Ballets of Serge Diaghilev's, Nijinsky and Rubinstein *ancient Egyptian art, *French theatre, music halls and cabarets *Early motion pictures and fashion magazines with dancers, stars and models Which made him create figures with a long, slender, stylized appearance. like the faces of “Persian Dance” and the dress in “Starfish Girl” exactly reproduces the sketch for Goldfish's dress from the ballet “Underwater kingdom” by Lev Annensky. After the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922, the art of ancient Egypt...
Bronze
Sold
H 14.18 in Dm 14.57 in
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base Good condition. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era. Sculptures of Chiparus represent the classical manifestation of Art Deco style in decorative bronze and ivory sculpture...
Bronze
Sold
H 14.18 in Dm 14.57 in
Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base Good...
Bronze
Chryséléphantine Sculpture Signed Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Madrid, ES
Chryséléphantine sculpture, silver and ivory bronze resting on an onyx base, representing a dancer. Signed CHIPARUS, Beautiful original...
Bronze, Silver
Sold
H 19 in W 19 in D 7 in
Demetre H. Chiparus, an Art Deco Terracotta Sculpture Bust of a Man, circa 1920
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Demetre H. Chiparus, an Art Deco terracotta sculpture bust of a man, circa 1920. Art Deco was the expression of a desire to be modern. It featured rare and expensive materials and...
Terracotta
Sold
H 11.82 in W 18.9 in D 6.3 in
Demétre Chiparus "Three Girls" signed Bronze Sculpture Set on a Marble Base
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
"Three Girls" by Demétre Chiparus. A green patinated bronze sculpture of three young girls nestled together, smiling and looking outward. Set on a marble base. Signed "Chiparus" to s...
Bronze
Sold
H 21.07 in W 14.18 in D 7.13 in
Art Deco Terracotta Sculpture Bust of Man by Demétre H. Chiparus, circa 1930s
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in London, GB
Art Deco terracotta sculpture bust of stylized man by Demétre H. Chiparus (circa 1930s). Art Deco was the expression of a desire to be modern. It featured rare and expensive material...
Terracotta