Ferdinand Preiss 'Aphrodite' a cold-painted bronze and carved…
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Ferdinand Preiss 'Aphrodite' a cold-painted bronze and carved ivory figure, circa 1925, modelled as a nude lady in semi-clad robes with both arms behind her head, on a circular shaped green onyx base (cracked), signed on base. Height 22 cm. Reference: 'Art Deco & Other Figures', by Brian Catley, published by, the Antiques Collectors Club, 2003, p.272 for a similar example.
onyx. Onyx is a form of agate. European onyx is generally green, but can be many other colours, and can contain bands of black and/or white.
This multicoloured stone is widely used for table tops, lamp bases and in jewellery. Some types of onyx are also used for cameos of which the upper white layer is cut away to reveal the colour beneath.
bronze. An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.
The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.
It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.
circa. A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
The buyers premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price of the item, imposed by the auction house to cover administrative costs. The buyers premium percentage varies between auction houses, with a range of 12.5% to 22%.
