Two profile heads Franz Hagenauer Werkstatte Hagenauer ca. 1970

Sculptures of human heads were a signature motif and a recurring subject in the work of Franz Hagenauer. While over many years, they were almost exclusively fully plastic, he began with designs for almost two-dimensional heads in the late 1960s. They were made by applying a new technique. The foundation is a nickel-plated brass plate onto which pipes, and other metal applications are soldered. By using only limited materials and forms, he created individual art objects, whose expressions are extremely intense.

The most prominent feature of these two rare heads is their hairdos, which are braided like strings of pearls. The elaborate hairstyles, together with almond-shaped eyes, lend them a slightly exotic touch. Besides, rounded foreheads and sloping necks make them appear more dynamic than similar designs.

Highly fascinating is also Hagenauer’s ability to distinctively draw a woman’s and a man’s head with only a few different design elements. For example, neck and shoulder area of the lady, for example, are somewhat more delicately drawn than on the gentleman’s bust.
These impressive heads were privately owned in the US for many years.