Ferdinand Preiss, circa 1925 'Bat Dancer' Cold Painted Bronze Sculpture Art Deco

Ferdinand Preiss, circa 1925, created the ‘Bat Dancer,’ a stunning Cold Painted Bronze and carved ivory sculpture that epitomizes Art Deco elegance. This piece features a girl striking a dynamic pose in a bat-like cape and short dress set on a stepped onyx base. The sculpture is signed “F. PREISS,” a mark of authenticity and prestige. The base’s stepped rectangular onyx design further enhances the sculpture’s sophisticated aesthetic.

Johann Philipp Ferdinand Preiss (13 February 1882 – 29 July 1943) was a prominent German sculptor and a leading figure in the Art Deco movement. Alongside Demetre H. Chiparus, his works are considered the pinnacle of Art Deco sculpture, highly prized by modern collectors. Preiss co-founded the Preiss & Kassler foundry, which, by the outbreak of World War I in 1914, employed six skilled ivory carvers from Erbach and regularly exported to England and the United States. To circumvent import taxes, a small factory in England assembled the sculptures from parts made in Germany, maintaining their international appeal and distribution.

The ‘Bat Dancer’ is a prime example of Preiss’s artistry, showcasing his mastery in combining ivory elements with cold-painted bronze. This piece is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and design, making it a remarkable opportunity for serious Art Deco collectors. Owning such a sculpture is a testament to an appreciation of fine art and a rare chance to possess a piece of history from one of the greatest sculptors of the Art Deco era.