A marvellous bronze with gilded highlighting depicting an exotic dancer leaning over with one leg and arm extended, a snake entwined around her torso and arms.

Claire-Jeanne-Roberte Colinet was born in Brussels where she began her studies under Jef Lambeaux before moving to Paris where she made her debut at the Salon of the Societe des Artistes Francais in 1913. She exhibited regularly at the Independents Exposition from 1937 to 1940 and was elected a full member of the Salon in 1929. Much of her subject matter included ballet dancers executing complicated dances and striking exotic poses. Her talent was recognised when she received an honourable mention at the Salon in 1914. 

The Dance of Carthage is recorded as representing “Salammbo”, the central character from Gustave Flaubert’s novel of the same name published in 1862. This novel proved to be an important source of inspiration for the French Symbolist painters and sculptors. The role of the heroine Salammbo was portrayed in a play of the story by the famous actress and dancer Sarah Bernhardt. The exotic nature and dramatic pose would suggest that this stage production of the novel inspired Colinet’s interpretation.

Signed: C L J R Colinet

Height: 21.75 inches (55.5 cm)

Width: 21.5 inches (62 cm)

Condition: Fine original patination. Unrestored and excellent in every way.

References:

Bryan Catley, Art Deco and Other Figures, Antique Collectors Club, Woodbridge, 1878, p 18, 106-119,The Dance of Carthage illustrated p 115.

Michael Forrest, Art Bronzes, Schiffer Publications Ltd., Pennsylvania 1988, p 473.

Victor Arwas, Art Deco Sculpture, St. Martins Press, New York 1992, p 77-79, 233.

E Benezit, Dictionnaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Graveurs (Grund, 1999).