catalog text
ART DECO BRONZE GROUP OF TWO FIGURES BY ELSE FÜRST (GERMAN, 1873-1943)
Signed in base "Else Furst 1906", “Martin, Piltzing, Berlin -N”
Item # 812EUT02Q
Relatively little is known about the life and work of Else Fürst. She was born in Leipzig, Germany on June 25th 1873 to physician Livius Fürst (Leipzig, b. 1840). Her sister, Helen Fürst, was a violinist and Else pursued sculpture, studying in both Berlin and Paris; she was a pupil of Romantic sculptor Denys Puech. The majority of her work was cast by the foundry of Martin und Piltzing Hoffbildgiesser in Berlin and the present example is no exception, being marked in block lettering "Martin. Piltzing. Berlin - N". The nearly brown, green and black chemical patina is rather complex and glows nicely under the beeswax. The sculpture depicts a man standing over a fallen woman with his arm upraised to protect them both from the unseen assailant. His eyes are devoid of fear and are resolved, courageous and steady. It is a powerful piece intended as a centerpiece, viewed dramatically from all angles.
Literature & Further Reading:
- E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. V, Gründ, 2006, p. 1186
Measurements: 30 5/8” H x 15 1/4” W x 14 1/2” D
Condition Report:
Discolorations to the patina in several places throughout the figures, more notably in the female figure's leg and the limbs of the man; this appears to perhaps be old touch ups to the patina, as they correspond loosely with points of wear. The discolorations are more notable under direct light and less obvious under regular light. Otherwise very good presentation ready condition.