Boris Lovet-Lorski (American, 1894-1973) Cretan Dancers, 1930 Bronze with greenish-brown patina, each The first: 24-3/8 x 33-5/8 x 4-1/2 inches (61.9 x 85.4 x 11.4 cm) (overall) The second: 26-3/4 x 33-5/8 x 4-1/2 inches (67.9 x 85.4 x 11.4 cm) (overall) Each inscribed on base: Boris Lovet-Lorski / 1930 PROVENANCE: The artist; Acquired by the present owner from the above. LITERATURE: M. Armitage, Sculpture of Boris Lovet-Lorski, New York, 1937, pp. 88-9, another example illustrated. Boris Lovet-Lorski was a renowned sculptor, regarded for his graceful, stylized depictions of figures and animals. Born in Lithuania in 1894, the artist moved to America in 1923 and soon cemented himself among the vibrant artistic community residing and working in New York during the early 20th century. Shortly thereafter, Lovet-Lorski spent time among Hollywood elite in the 1930s, producing a series of commissioned portrait busts of famous actors, musicians and high-society figures. Cretan Dancers are among the bronze sculptures the artist produced during this inspirational period where he worked and leisured among glamourous and culturally influential figures. Lovet-Lorski's sculptures combine elegant, streamlined forms with an emphasis on the dynamic potential of a range of subjects—both human and animal; contrastingly static and fluid. One of his most notable forms which combines both of these elements includes his bronze sculptures of Cretan Dancers—a rhythmic and grandiose display of a dancer's feminine form alongside the softened strength of a horned bull. Each sculpture centers a moving dancer, suspended mid-motion performing a choreographed number, almost as though frozen in time. The use of bronze gives these sculptures a sense of permanence, adding depth to their expressive movement, but they're freed from the weight of the material by their expressive gestures. They glide and extend in dramatic arabesque, the Classical drapery that modestly covers each nude model slides below the contours of each of their anatomy. This flowing fabric further drapes across the swollen, stern body of these enormous animals, both creatures carry their assigned passengers in careful unison. These Cretan Dancers are particularly notable for capturing the essence of dance as an art form. Lovet-Lorski was influenced by the ancient Greek and Cretan cultures, with their rich traditions of dance and performance. Like many of Lovet-Lorski's works, these bronzes are celebrated for their sensuality and fluidity, combining both classical influences and modern artistic interpretations. Lovet-Lorski's catalogue of sculptures continue to be admired for their technical skill, emotional depth, and ability to evoke the cultural and historical context that inspired them. Cretan Dancers convey a sense of rhythmic motion and timeless celebration. The present lot represents a rare offering—never have two examples of each of the Cretan Dancer forms been offered together at auction. These two bronzes were cast simultaneously and acquired as a pair directly from the artist by the family of the present owner. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice