Agathon LEONARD (1841-1923) - Danseuse à la Cothurne - Gilde - Lot 20

Agathon LEONARD (1841-1923) - Danseuse à la Cothurne - Gilded bronze - Fonte Susse et Frères Height: 28 cm Note : Representing a dancer in motion, this work illustrates the artist's excellence in capturing the feminine grace and fluidity of gesture typical of Art Nouveau. Leonardo, famous for his dancing figurines, here combines sensuality with technical mastery, making this piece a celebration of aesthetics and elegance. Agathon Léonard's Danseuse à la Cothurne is part of a group of sculptures entitled "Le Jeu de l'Écharpe", created at the end of the XIXᵉ century. This set, comprising fifteen dancing female figures, was presented by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres at the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris, where it met with notable success. The Petit Palais in Paris holds two terracotta sketches from this set, acquired in 2016. These sketches testify to Leonardo's creative process and his attention to detail in depicting feminine movement and grace. The "Danseuse à la Cothurne" was produced in various sizes and materials, notably in gilded bronze by the Susse Frères foundry, like our model presented here. This sculpture illustrates the elegance and dynamism characteristic of the Art Nouveau style, of which Agathon Léonard is an eminent representative.