ORIENTAL DANCER

Historical and artistic context

This exquisite Art Deco marble sculpture by Italian artist Alberto Saccardi gracefully captures the essence of an Oriental dancer from the vibrant 1920s. Reflecting the era’s exuberance and inspired by cultural icons like Josephine Baker, the piece celebrates movement, exoticism, and feminine empowerment.

Carved from luminous white Carrara marble and mounted on a striking Portoro marble base, the figure radiates elegant poise. The dancer’s dynamic stance conveys fluid motion as if she is caught mid-performance. Subtle adornments—anklets, bracelets, and a floral belt—add opulent detail without distracting from the overall flow.

Saccardi masterfully blends classical sculptural technique with interwar modernist flair, harmonizing refined anatomy with rhythmic stylization. More than a portrait, the sculpture becomes a lively allegory of sensuality and liberation, capturing the spirit of an age fascinated by transformation and freedom.

As both a rare and refined work, this sculpture highlights Saccardi’s technical command—from the polished surfaces to the nuanced textures—and reflects the broader cultural currents of early 20th-century Europe. It remains a compelling testament to beauty, grace, and resilience.

Literature

• BERMAN, H. Bronzes, Sculptors and Founders 1800-1930. 1^e éd. USA. : Abage Publishers, 1977. p. 518.