Following models of Karl Hagenauer

Following models of KARL HAGENAUER (1898-1956).
"Whale.
Chromed iron.
Measurements: 12 x 16 cm.

The modeling of this sculpture is essential and synthetic without leaving aside the naturalism, typically Art Deco. Thus, in general, the details are left aside, the meticulous rendering of the real model, although the author, a follower of Karl Hagenauer's style, pays special attention to capturing the movement of the animal's anatomy.

The son of the goldsmith Carl Hagenauer, Karl studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in Vienna, where he was taught by Josef Hoffmann and Oskar Strnad and imbued with the spirit of the Wiener Wekstätte. After obtaining his diploma in architecture, between 1917 and 1919 he did his military service, and upon his return he began working as an architect and in his father's workshop. During these years he created numerous pieces in silver, brass, copper, enamel, ivory, stone and wood. In 1928, after his father's death, he took over the management of the workshop and was responsible for the expansion of the firm, expanding production to include cabinetmaking and opening stores in Vienna and Salzburg. From then on he exhibited his best pieces both in Austria and abroad, was twice awarded the gold medal at the Milan Triennale and was appointed a member of the Austrian Werkbund and the Werkstätte. Today his pieces are part of collections around the world, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the MoMA and the Jewish Museum in New York, the Casa Lis in Salamanca and many others.