African woman with child, Werkstatte Hagenauer Vienna, circa 1935, walnut and brass, marked
Out of stock
Starting with the 1930s, Werkstatte Hagenauer manufactured statuettes in African style. This figurine also dates back to that time. With her elegant upper body en face and beautiful head in profile, the African woman holds her child in a tender pose, conveying a strong feeling of motherly love and security.
Combining fine woodcarving and cast brass this design from the African-series was more rarely executed and seems to be quite rare on the art market. Its neat transition from the upper body to the metal base is particularly carefully crafted. In addition, a strongly reduced form characterizes the design. Elegantly stylized features of the exotic figure and excellently crafted details allow us to understand why Werkstatte Hagenauer was so successful with its African sculptures.
Werkstätte Hagenauer – stylistic evolution and importance
Today, the Werkstatte Hagenauer is rightfully among the most important Austrian Arts & Crafts manufacturers of the 20th century. The clear, strict formal language combined with dynamic poses and the usage of brass, nickel-plated, patinated or bare, along with copper, alpaca and exotic wood shows a high level of recognition.
However, it took the siblings Karl and Franz Hagenauer quite some time until they developed their own unique style. Karl and Franz both attended the Vienna School of Arts & Crafts and studied under Josef Hoffmann, Oskar Strnad, Anton Hanak and Dagobert Peche.
Until the closure of the Werkstatte Hagenauer on December 30, 1987, art objects of outstanding quality were still being produced. The siblings Karl and Franz Hagenauer strongly contributed in coining the term „design“ through their legacy and are surely among the most influential Austrian artists of the 20th century.
By submitting the inquiry form, you agree to the use of your data for this inquiry. Privacy Policy
Dorotheergasse 13
1010 Wien
Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.,
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Phone: +43 676 40 64 600
Mail: info@kolhammer.com