Josef Lorenzl (Vienna, 1892-1950), a bronze female dancer, Vienna, c. 1930

Bronze, cold patinated in silver, bronze and brown shades; figurine standing on one leg on a round bronze base; the back of the base marked Lorenzl and stamped Made in Austria; object mounted on an elevated green onyx base; total height: 20.3 cm. 

Josef Lorenzl was born in Vienna on 1st September 1892. He started out working at the Vienna Arsenal in the foundry, where he learned the techniques of bronze casting. Working from a studio in the company’s grounds, he was able to produce many bronze and chryselephantine sculptures. Lorenzl was captivated by the female form he became well known for his shapely dancing girls with long, elegant legs and closed eyes. Lorenzl also was a gifted ceramicist, producing pieces for Goldscheider.