The Finale, an important sculpture by Paris-based Romanian sculptor Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947), is to auction at Bonhams London on November 26.
Depicting a curtain call by members of the Ballet Russes, it is expected to sell for up to £300,000 ($468,330).
 The sculpture is thought to be modelled on dancer Vaslav Nijinsky |
The sculpture, standing at 65cm tall and constructed from bronze and ivory, was created circa 1928 and is thought to be modelled on Vaslav Nijinsky, star male dancer at the Ballet Russe and lover to the company director.
Nijinsky choreographed and starred in many productions to great acclaim, and was also the subject of a sculpture by Rodin, who was mesmerised by his performance in a 1912 production of L'apree midi d'un faune.
Chiparus was among the greatest sculptors of the jazz age, taking his inspiration from actors, ballet dancers and the stars of early film.
Mark Oliver, Bonhams' director of decorative arts, comments: "This is the third dramatic Chiparus model that Bonhams have offered for sale in the past year and is a particularly rare and imposing study.
"I anticipate a high level of international interest in the model when it goes on display at our New Bond Street galleries this November."
Another sculpture by Chiparus, Almeria sold on June 19 of this year at Bonhams London for £265,200 ($414,000), comfortably within its £200-300,000 estimate. Dolly Sisters, a similarly eye-catching piece from the same era sold in November 2012 for £277,250 ($432,814), achieving an increase of 38% on its £200,000 high estimate.
The Paul Fraser Collection has available a signed copy of Virginia Woolf's Orlando, also from 1928. For more news from the world of art and collectibles, please sign up to our free weekly newsletter.
