Vintage Art Deco bronze sculptures by Karl Hagenauer, 1930

Spectacular pair of bronze sculptures by Austrian Art Deco master Karl Hagenauer.Karl Hagenauer (1898-1956) was an influential Austrian designer belonging to the Art Deco school. He began his training at the age of eleven at the School of Applied Arts in Vienna. He studied alongside great artists such as Josef Hoffman and Oskar Strnad, and began creating his first works at the Wiener Werkstätte. Karl joined the studio of his father, also an artist, at the age of 20, after his return from war service.Hagenauer gradually introduced a new sensibility to public taste with his stylized handmade animals and whimsical creatures, known as "Viennese bronzes," which were very successful in the American and domestic markets. Hagenauer's work found a receptive American market, very well received in part through the efforts of New York gallerist Rena Rosenthal. In terms of style, Karl had more modern design ideas than his father. His pieces are unique, thanks to the surreal touch he brings to each one, which has earned him worldwide recognition. Also, in the 1930s, his designs became more and more stylized, as seen in this example. The base is made of polished steel and is 10 x 10 cm, with rounded corners. Reference : 263832