Joseph (Jo) Davidson (New York/Paris, 1883-1952) patinated bronze sculpture depicting Russian dancer and arts patron Ida Rubinstein in her role as Cleopatra in the 1909 ballet by Michael Fokine. Signed and dated, JO DAVIDSON PARIS 1909 at the back of base. 11 1/8″ H x 11 1/4″ W x 5 1/2″ D. Note: This sculpture was inspired during Davidson’s studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts by witnessing Fokine’s production for the Ballet Russes in 1909 which celebrated the strikingly beautiful heiress, Ida Rubinstein (Russia, 1885-1960), and her flair for drama and mystery. Born to one of the richest families in Russia, she defied her family and class to perform in and eventually own her own ballet company. Rubinstein’s beauty, dramatic personality, and considerable fortune drew the attention of many visual artists of her time. (Source: “Dance and American Art: A Long Embrace” by Sharyn R. Udall). Artist Biography (adapted from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art): Joseph “Jo” Davidson was born in New York City and studied at the Art Students League before attending Yale University to study medicine. After working as a sculptor’s studio assistant, he traveled to Paris to attend the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, where he met Gertrude Stein and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the latter of whom became Davidson’s patron. He exhibited widely after his return to the United States, including in the Armory Show of 1913, before and after serving as an artist-correspondent in World War I. During his lifetime, Davidson sculpted portraits of many of the most prominent American figures in the entertainment and political realms, such as James Joyce, Aldous Huxley, Gertrude Stein, Albert Einstein, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and many more.

PROVENANCE: Private Kentucky collection.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition with minor wear to patina on high points including tip of nose and some folds of dress. Underside interior with scattered white chalk deposits