Archer by Alexandre Kelety Bronze Early 20th Century Art Deco

Archer by Alexandre Kelety Bronze Early 20th Century Art Deco. Very rare bronze in fantastic condition with Rosewood and ebony wood base. This male figure is an outstanding example of the  Art Decoo “strongman”, the highest quality bronze work and details we’ve rarely seen. The angle and position of the body in relation to the base is very unusual. The stepped style arch mirrors important shapes from the Art Deco period.

Alexandre Kelety (1892-1940) was a Hungarian artist who worked in the early 20th century. He was known for his work in the Art Deco style, particularly in painting and sculpture. A prolific artist whose pieces are highly sought after. This very rare piece is not one we’ve seen previously.

Kelety’s sculptures often depicted human figures and animals with a strong sense of movement and fluidity. While I couldn’t find specific information about a bronze sculpture titled “Archer” by Kelety, it is possible that he created such a piece considering his body of work.

In the interwar period, he exhibited several times at the Paris Salons. At the Salon of the Société des Artistes Français in 1927 he exhibited a terracotta bust and in 1928 and 1930 bronze and ivory figures, all made and published by the Éditeur d’art (art publisher) Arthur Goldscheider. At the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et industriels Modernes in 1925, his work was shown both on the Goldscheider stand and at Edmond Etling’s. At the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937, he showed sculptures that had been handcrafted by the foundries Etling and Les Neveux de Jules Lehmann, as well as animal sculptures made by M. Ollier.

Kéléty also incorporated the Art Deco style into the everyday objects he designed, such as electric lights, ashtrays, and incense burners.

Kelety’s artworks are known for their elegance, streamlined forms, and attention to detail, characteristic of the Art Deco style. His sculptures were primarily made using bronze, a popular material during that time due to its durability and ability to capture intricate details.

Bio literature

Alberto Shayo: Statuettes art deco period. Antique Collectors Club Art Books, 2016. ISBN 1-85149-824-9. p. 136.
Robert E. Dechant, Filipp Goldscheider: Goldscheider. Company history and catalog of works. Arnoldsche Art Publishers, Stuttgart 2007, ISBN 978-3-89790-216-9. pp. 231, 573.
Victor Arwas: Art Deco sculpture. Academy Editions, 1992. p. 238.
Bryan Catley: Art Deco and Other Figures. Baron Publishing, 1978. pp. 187, 192, 326.