Putto “Spring” Michael Powolny Wiener Keramik ca. 1907

Michael Powolny is one of the most renowned ceramic artists of the Viennese Art Nouveau, known especially among Jugendstil collectors for his decorative putti. Powolny revisited the theme of the Four Seasons multiple times in his ceramic creations, varying it in relief-like depictions on vases and tiles, or creating fully sculpted figures like this Spring putto.
With a lush floral arrangement, it stands as an allegory of spring. The extravagant profusion of flowers, featuring various stylized blooms, provides Powolny with an opportunity to generously showcase his colorful glazes. In the well-balanced composition, the characteristic bellflowers stand out in particular. The flower cascade reaching down to the ground is a visual delight, and at the same time, it serves to stabilize the ceramic statuette. Its richness in detail attests to Powolny’s mastery of the ceramic material.
Michael Powolny created the cycle of the seasons in 1907. This putto was produced by the Wiener Keramik and can be dated to around the year 1907 based on the pressed mark.