Olympic Games/ Summer, 1920-24/ Antwerp/Paris/Chiparus/ G.An - Lot 75

Olympic Games/ Summer, 1920-24/ Antwerp/Paris/Chiparus/ G.André/ Hurdler/ Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947), The hurdler Bronze signed lower right. H: 40cm, amplitude 44 cm, base: 27 x 16 cm Small crack on the right side of the shorts. Spectacular hurdler, on the last hurdle...The right leg has barely passed, the knee still grazes this cross hurdle...The movement is perfect, with this beautiful search for balance in both arms. Is this the unforgettable all-round champion Géo André (1889-1943), an Olympian from 1908 to 1924? Probably, because he excelled in the 400 m hurdles, and his charisma was immense. Olympic vice-champion in the high jump, finalist in the hurdles in 1920 and 24, medallist in the 4x400 relay, he was a major figure in French sport, as well as being an expert journalist. An escapee in 1914-18, he fell to his death in 43, and took the Olympic oath in Paris in 1920. The artist's concern for accuracy has gone so far as to respect the number of spikes on the front of the soles (6) of shoes with feet. In other words: an electric work, just like him.