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.
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
After D.H. Chiparus Dancer Patinated Bronze
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Astoria, NY
After Demetre Haraland Chiparus (Romanian, 1886-1947) "Graceful Dancer" Patinated Bronze Sculpture, signed "D.H. Chiparus" near base, atop a black marble plinth. Overall: 27" H x 18...
Bronze
"Fan Dancer" by Demetre H. Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
"Fan Dancer" by Demetre H. Chiparus (1886-1947). Patinated and cold painted bronze and ivory on onyx and marble base. Alberto Shayo (1993) "Chiparus, Mas...
Onyx, Marble, Bronze
Art Deco Style Cold-Painted Dancer Sculpture After Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Yonkers, NY
A captivating sculpture after Demetre Chiparus, this striking Art Deco dancer embodies the era’s fascination with movement, theatricality, and opulence. Inspired by the expressive pe...
Composition, Metal
$14,166Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.15 in W 4.73 in D 2.56 in
Demétre Chiparus "Footsteps" Art Deco Bronze Female Dancer Figurative Sculpture
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Demétre Chiparus "Footsteps" Art Deco Bronze Female Dancer Figurative Sculpture No signature or certificate. Bronze with polychrome patina and ivory. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus (16 ...
Bronze
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
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
$18,532
H 15.75 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Early 20th Century Art Deco Sculpture "Scarab Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in London, GB
An exquisite early 20th Century Art Deco cold painted and gilt bronze figure of a Ballets Russes dancer wearing a two piece outfit and a stylish head dress, exhibiting excellent col...
Marble, Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Sculpture of an Oriental Dancer after Chiparus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Art Deco figural sculpture of a female dancer made in France during the vibrant Art Deco era of the 1920s, captures an Orient...
Marble, 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
$16,613
H 14.18 in W 29.14 in D 6.3 in
Art Deco Bronze Panther Sculpture by Demetre Chiparus, France, 1920s
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Milano, IT
An important Art Deco bronze and marble base sculpture depicting a prowling panther by the French artist Demetre Chiparus, France, 192...
Marble, Bronze
After D.H. Chiparus Cleopatra Patinated Bronze
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Astoria, NY
After Demetre Haraland Chiparus (Romanian, 1886-1947) "Cleopatra Seated" Patinated Bronze Sculpture, signed "D.H. Chiparus" and with European Bronze Finery...
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
$75,000
H 17.33 in W 11.03 in D 3.15 in
Starlight Sculpture by Demetre Chiparus, Art Deco Bronze & Onyx, 1930
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Sculpture called "Starlight" made by Demetre H. Chiparus (1886-1947). Made of patinated and enameled bronze and ivory on an onyx base. Alberto Shayo (1993) "Chiparus, Master of Ar...
Onyx, Bronze
Sold
H 28.25 in W 19 in D 5 in
Signed Art Deco After Demetre Chiparus Bronze Sculpture "Kapurthala Dancer"
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: H: 28 1/4in W: 19in D: 5in This signed vintage Art Deco "Kapurthala Dancer" Sculpture on a marble base is perfect for you and your home! Demetre Chiparus is perhaps ...
Marble, Metal, Bronze
Sold
H 18.12 in W 25.6 in D 5.52 in
D.H.Chiparus Elephants Art Deco Terracotta Sculpture Editions Reveyrollis, Paris
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Sofia, BG
Demetre Chiparus (1888-1950). Elephants Art Deco terracotta sculpture editions Reveyrollis, Paris.
Terracotta
Sold
H 9.45 in W 19.69 in D 6.3 in
Art Deco ‘Attacking Panther’ Large Authentic Sculpture by D.H.Chiparus, 1920
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Sofia, BG
Splendid animal sculpture of Art Deco period "ATTACKING PANTHER", signed: D.H. CHIPARUS, subject in cast iron art with antique green hammered patina with bronze highlights - on base in solid black portor marble. A rare and magnificent work of anthology. We can only admire this dangerous panther, fiery and attacking, with its grandiose elegant and spectacular presence - a majestic and mythical feline for an iconic creation of excellent quality. Demetre Haralamb Chiparus...
Marble, Bronze, Iron