I have a small (about 9 inch) figure of a bare breasted woman in a typical deco dancing position. It is signed on the base of the bronze, and has been cast in two separate sections, with the underside of her short skirt concealing the connecting screws. This joint is original to the figure. Someone has polished the piece, and removed the patina, leaving a antique brass color to the entire figure. Does anyone know whether it would pay to have the patina restored, and who does such work? The figure also has the number 28 on the edge of the skirt, which I assume is the year it was made. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.

-- marilyn fletcher (mfletch3@tampabay.rr.com), July 11, 2001

Answers

After websearching for "Devriez 71" for a few days, I finally found your old question. I see you are in the Tampa Bay area too.

I cannot answer your question, but I will share with you that I too have a deVriez statuette. While in London a few weeks ago, I stopped by Christies and asked for a research. They found Devriez and an image of the small nude statuette I have. The base is missing from my statuette but otherwise is in excellent condition. It was cast using "Lost wax" method and it too was made in at least two castings.

If you still are "Out there" let me hear from you. Jerry

-- Jerry Murphy (PapaMurphy@aol.com), November 24, 2004.

Hi, Marilyn. I replied to you once before and just now returned to the website and saw that you apparently have not seen my response to your question regarding P. Devriez. I am trying to establish the exact dimensions of the base that is missing, and any information on this sculptor would be greatly appreciated. Jerry

-- Jerry Murphy (PapaMurphy@aol.com), January 12, 2005.