Among the most popular of the collectable bronze and ivory figures created by the Paris-based sculptor/designer Demêtre Chiparus are his models of dancers.
Some are inspired by the Ballets Russes of Sergei Diaghilev which was storming Paris in the first decades of the 20th century, others by the exotic dancers in the Parisian music halls such as the Folies Bergères. This model of dancing chorus girls shown left, known as Les Girls, is one of his most sought-after. Weschlers will be offering it in the March 2 auction in Rockville, Maryland, guided at $300,000-$500,000.