Once again, objects by the Wiener Werkstätte, above all by Josef Hoffmann, shine at Dorotheum’s next Art Nouveau sale, along with glasses by Otto Prutscher and precious vases by Lötz and Daum.

The sale also includes especially attractive turn-of-the-century and Art Deco reliefs and bronzes. Georg Klimt, Gustav's brother, borrowed a pictorial motif from the Scottish artist Margaret Macdonald as the starting point for his own version in relief. A famous element of comparison can be found at the MAK in the frieze based on Maurice Maeterlinck’s fairy tale "The Seven Princesses" executed for the Music Salon of Wärndofer House. "PER ASPERA AD ASTRA" is inscribed on the 43x30cm work attributed to Klimt, on which a female figure, flowers and ornamental motifs flow harmoniously and symmetrically into one another (€ 30,000 - 40,000).

The Munich artist Franz von Stuck immortalised maestro Ludwig van Beethoven in a large bronze relief (€ 4,000 - 7,000). The Austrian sculptor Gustav Gurschner was trained in Vienna and was influenced by Paris Art Nouveau throughout his life. He specialised in the design of everyday objects in bronze, especially vases and candlesticks. His commissioned portraits in relief became popular throughout Europe. His 1907 portrait of Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India, who reigned from 1901 to 1910, also bears witness to this (€ 7,000 - 12,000).

Bronze sculptures
About 40cm tall figural bronze statuettes, decorated with precious stone bases and ivory carvings, embodied luxury and beauty, and brought glamour and escapism into the home. Demetre Chiparus, who worked in Paris, was a key protagonist of this genre, and is one of its most sought-after artists today ("Hush", € 13,000 - 20,000).

As a bronze figure artist, Ferdinand Preiss also made a name for himself both in the German-speaking and Anglo-American world. In 1906/07, this leading Art Deco ivory carver founded Preiss & Kessler in Berlin with Arthur Kessler. His best-known works depict modern women true to real life from the world of sports and theatre in the early 20th century. An especially beautiful Diana, the ancient goddess of the hunt with bow and arrow, is among the items on offer at Dorotheum’s auction (€ 18,000 - 25,000).

The Ukrainian-born Bruno Zach trained as a sculptor at Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts and became famous for his motifs from the world of sports and animals, but also - above all - thanks to his erotic images. He is represented at the 15 June sale with, among others, a 72 cm tall bronze figure, “Girl with Cigarette” (€ 14,000 - 20,000).

ART NOUVEAU
Online auction | until Wednesday, 15 June 2022, 3pm
Viewing starts | 9 June 2022, Palais Dorotheum, Dorotheergasse 17, 1010 Vienna
Specialist | Dr. Magda Pfabigan, Tel. +43-1-515 60-383, magda.pfabigan@dorotheum.at
Press office | Doris Krumpl, Tel. +43-1-515 60-406, doris.krumpl@dorotheum.at