Carl Johan Bonnesen

CARL JOHAN BONNESEN (Denmark,1868 -1933).
"Bears," c. 1900.
Glazed ceramic.
Measurements: 40 x 60 x 35 cm.
Unique sculpture depicting two bears courting, made in glazed ceramic with a copper-rich glaze that offers a vibrant and striking tonal variety. The piece takes inspiration from classical Chinese Song Dynasty ceramics, reinterpreting it with a bold and distinctly Nordic style, where the strength and naturalness of the animal blends with a modern decorative sensibility for the period.
The glossy glaze and its metallic nuances make every detail of the bears' fur and posture stand out, turning the work into both a sculptural and decorative object, captivating for its dynamic realism and refined aesthetics.
Carl J. Bonnesen was one of the most prominent Danish sculptors of the early 20th century, specializing in powerful, naturalistic representations of animals. Trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and a disciple of Vilhelm Bissen, Bonnesen developed a sculptural language where the force of nature and artistic expressiveness were united in pieces of great visual impact.
His works are part of prestigious Danish collections, including the National Gallery of Denmark and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, and are valued for their combination of technical mastery, narrative strength and artistic sensitivity. This bear sculpture, being unique and with an unparalleled glaze finish, represents an exceptional example of his ability to transform ceramics into a sculptural medium of the highest order.