Posted 11 years ago
cogito
(124 items)
This massive carving rendered out of a solid piece of oak came from of an old estate in Koblenz, Germany. The motif and style are decidedly Jugendstil. The trend of having allegorical putto figures representing the seasons was first popularized in ceramics by Michael Powolny (Austrian, 1871-1954) at the turn of the 19th century/early 20th century. This large sculpture, which given the location of the find and technique, is an interesting mixture of the Austrian design aesthetic and Black Forest type carving. The bottom has a central large screwed hole, which likely was where the carving was attached to a larger structure of some sort. I suspect that there were 3 other figures paired with this one on whatever structure or furniture to which they were affixed, such that there was a representation of all the seasons. This putto is representing the Fall season with the hoisted large acorn (which is also a sly allusion to the material from which the carving was rendered) and the spray of Autumn flowers around his feet. Dimensions: 19.5"(H) x 8"(W).
Any attribution information or other input on possible designers/origin would be most appreciated.
Amazing piece, cogito!
So large too!
Can I just add "Holz-Plastik" as a search term?
Berthold Löffler as another name.
The fluting on the pedestal is so Powolny too!
Thanks again for sharing such a wonderful piece!
Thanks for the loves folks.
What do you mean by "Holz-Plastik," Vetraio50? The piece isn't wood composite.
You are certainly right about Löffler being another putto designer. Another would be Richard Teschner, which if you look at the style of his figures is the closest to the sculpture above (i.e., chunky hands and almost block-like fingers). Unless one of the other seasonal figures turns up and is already attributed, I suspect it will be a longshot to peg the creation of this figure to a specific designer/artist. Whoever it was, they certainly were probably working under commission, as I suspect the four putto were probably part of some large, custom built piece of furniture, support column or display. The general lack of weathering indicates that they were likely reserved for inside use.
Hi cogito. 'Plastik' is a term that is used in German and Dutch for 'sculpture'.
When I first came across it I was surprised, too. Nothing to do with our 'plastic'.
Oh, sorry. I'll do some sleuthing based upon your suggestion. Thanks again.
Good luck with the sleuthing.
I found some nice pupets by Teschner than remind me of the Javanese Wayang Golek!