
Alexandre Kéléty (1874–1940)
Kéléty was active between c. 1918 until his death in 1940. Kelety was initially born in Hungary, but at the end of the First World War, he emigrated to France. Kéléty married Hélène Grün Kéléty, who was the daughter of the Russian painter, naturalised French Maurice Grün. Once in France, Kéléty became a student of the Hungarian painter and engraver Imre Karoly Simay in Toulouse before moving on to study further in Paris. In his works, Kéléty often depicts animals and the theme of childhood, along with busts and statuettes in chryselephantine (Ancient Greek) representing dancers and mythological figures in his renowned art deco style. Kéléty worked in various mediums, including bronze, ivory, marble and ceramic.
Close-up of the shorthand Alexandre Kelety signature upon an art deco bronze figure sold by Jacksons Antique
Kéléty exhibited several times at the Salon de la Société des artistes Français in Paris. In 1927, he presented a terracotta bust; in 1928 and 1930, he exhibited both bronze and ivory figurines made by the art publisher Arthur Goldscheider. At the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts of 1925, his work was presented on Goldscheider’s stand and on that of Edmond Etling. At the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1937, he presented sculptures made and adapted by the Etling and Les Neveux foundries of Jules Lehmann. It also presents animal sculptures made by Mr. Ollier. Kéléty also creates everyday objects in the Art Deco style, such as electric lamps, ashtrays and incense burners. In 1939, Kéléty published advertisements for drawing lessons given at 20 rue Ernest Cresson, Paris 2,3 before his passing in 1940. Kéléty became known for his high-quality art deco sculptures, usually with various charming patinations.