Lost Wax Method
sometimes called by the French name of cire perdue or the Latin, cera perduta is the process by which a bronze or brass is cast from an artists sculpture.
In industrial uses, the modern process is called investment casting. An ancient practice, the process today varies from foundry to foundry, but the steps which are usually used in casting small bronze sculptures in a modern bronze foundry are generally quite standardised.
Demetre H. Chiparus
was born in Romania in 1886, attended school in Italy, then, shortly before World War I moved to Paris. He attended school at the Ecole des Beaux Arts under two talented sculptors Anonin Mercier and Jean Boucher, who provided him the opportunity to learn the trade.
He later began to experiment with small bronze sculptures and produce small bronze works, exhibiting his small sculptures and, in 1914, was awarded an honorable mention at the Salon of the Societe des Artistes Francais. Many of Paris’ most affluent began to take notice of his work after World War One and the demand for his sculptures quickly increased.
Chiparus was captivated by dancers, in particular influenced by Diaghiley’s Ballets Russes and Leon Bakst’s stage designs. A few of his famous sculptures were Starfish Dancer, Dancer with Raised Skirt, Danseuse Arabe, Danseuse with Fan and Kapurthalian Danseuse.