Height:                                     49 cm                                                                 

Width:                                      22 cm

Depth:                                      14 cm

Condition:                                Excellent Condition

Circa:                                        1930

Materials:                                 Bronze & Onyx

Book Ref                                  Art Deco and Other Figures by Bryan Catley

Page No:                                  214

SKU:                                         9474

ABOUT

Lorenzl Cleo

Josef Lorenzl (1892–1950) was one of the leading sculptors of the Art Deco period in Vienna, renowned for his elegant and highly stylised female figures. Trained initially as a modeller at the Vienna Arsenal foundry, Lorenzl developed exceptional technical skill in casting and finishing bronze, which underpinned the refinement of his later work. By the 1920s and 1930s, he had established himself as a key figure in the Viennese decorative arts movement.

Lorenzl’s sculptures are characterised by elongated, graceful forms and a strong sense of movement. His female figures—often depicted as dancers—embody the energy and glamour of the Jazz Age, with flowing drapery, poised gestures, and expressive silhouettes. Many of his bronzes were produced in collaboration with prominent foundries such as Keramos, Bergman and Goldscheider, and are frequently mounted on onyx or marble bases that enhance their decorative appeal.

A significant portion of Lorenzl’s output includes chryselephantine figures, combining patinated bronze with finely carved ivory for the face and hands. These works represent the height of Art Deco luxury, with the contrast of materials creating both visual and tactile richness. The ivory elements are typically delicately detailed, lending a lifelike quality to the figures, while the bronze garments display crisp modelling and subtle patination.

Lorenzl’s compositions range from theatrical, almost exuberant poses to more restrained and intimate studies. In all, there is a consistent emphasis on elegance, rhythm, and modern femininity. Today, his sculptures are highly sought after for their craftsmanship, condition, and iconic representation of the Art Deco aesthetic, standing alongside contemporaries such as Chiparus and Preiss as enduring symbols of the period’s artistic sophistication.

For a good selection of the artist’s works please see our link at: Josef Lorenzl