"RESTING FIGURES" BY ANDERS JENSEN BUNDGAARD (DANISH, 1864-1937)
In patinated bronze, signed in base "A.J. Bundgaard", foundry mark verso "Aug. E. Jensen"
Item # 007ULC30P 

Clearly inspired by the Art Nouveau sentiment of the period, this subject of two young females resting on a blanket over rough naturalistic ground is a picture of gentle naturalism. A quiet work, the two figures are devoid of any ornamentation or clothing, the only created element being the blanket they rest on and the diaphanous shawl that wraps around the right figure's arm. It would appear they are on the bank and looking over a pool of water, though the rest of the image is left to the viewer to imagine.

Finished in an overall brown patination, the hints of verdigris are subtle in the primary areas of the sculpture and more obvious in the crevices where the oxidization has been allowed to more fully develop.

The work is signed in the naturalistic base "A.J. Bundgaard" and retains the foundry stamp of August E. Jensen of Copenhagen.

Born in Ersted, Denmark in August of 1864, Anders Jensen Bundgaard initially focused on drawing caricatures. This work created enough conflict in his hometown that he left for Copenhagen without any means of supporting himself. After facing numerous setbacks, he secured work under sculptor Ferdomamd Edvard Ring. He became a student at the Art Academy from 1885-87 and worked under Stephan Sinding. He began exhibiting in Copenhagen in 1888 and also exhibited work in Paris, Oslo and Chicago.

His most important contribution was the granite sculptures decorating City Hall, but his most recognized work is the monumental public commission of The Gefion Fountain (1907-1908). His powerful monumental depiction of The Cimbria Bull (1937) in Aalborg is one of his few ventures into the Animalier space.

Artist Listings & Further Reading:

• E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. III, Gründ, 2006, p. 10

Measurements: 9 5/8" H x 7 13/16" D x 13 1/2" W

Condition Report:
Some patina wear from handling. Verdigris oxidization in crevices and oxidization to foundry mark. A fine presentation.