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Bronze and Other-Metal Sculptures
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Bronze Sculpture of Germanic Hunter (Item BRONZEMET 2-4a; HUNT 8-4; ART 17-10) |
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DESCRIPTION: Amazing! No sooner had we called the magnificent bronze sculpture seen above at BRONZEMET 2-4 and lo and behold we procured
this piece that completely rivals the Teutonic hunter above. We will call this one the “Germanic Hunter.” We said in the
narrative above that we had never seen a better bronze sculpture than the Teutonic Hunter and to that point we certainly had not, until this
stalwart huntsman came along. The work is all as good as the Henry Weisse sculpture and if I were describing it I could probably use almost the
same wording and for sure this offered sculpture is also typical of the best of bronzes of the mid 19th century, when the art was at its highest
point. This piece is signed P.L. (Paul Ludwig) Kowalczewski, 1865-1910, Berlin. He was a highly rated prolific sculptor, who enjoyed the
spotlight among the most talented artists of his time. His sculptures bring very high auction prices. If you will Google the (Online Antiques
Centre) under bronzes and sculpture you can see an art-nouveau bronze by Kowalczewski entitled “Filling the Buckets” and note that it brought
6,800 pounds. The size was just about the same as this bronze named "Germain" with the same patina as used in most of this man’s sculptures. The
bronze is possibly the greatest of Kowalczewski’s works and is certainly realistic and historically correct in every detail. The piece stands
about 14 inches high including the beautiful marble base; the bronze itself stands 12 inches high. The base is 3 by 4 inches wide. This is
Alte Germania depicted just as it was. The warrior wears a horned headpiece as these ancient hunters often did when
pursuing game. They did not wear such gear, however, while engaged in warfare. He proudly sports a necklace of bear claws that reminds one of
almost the same sort of ornamentation worn by American Indian warriors. In fact, with the exception that he wears a beard he looks very much
like an early American woodland Indian. His weapons are a bow with quiver of arrows and a spear tipped with flint or other stone as the spear
point. He stands with one foot resting upon a rock while peering with his hand upraised to shield his eyes from the sun while scouting for game;
upon the rock is the artist’s signature. So now we have a second masterpiece in this desirable size; a treasure of the art of the western world.
Don’t let size dissuade you; the world’s most precious bronzes housed in great museum displays are seen to be this size, and smaller.
PRICE: $7,800.00 |
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Magnificent Bronze Sculpture of Teutonic Warriors (Item BRONZEMET 2-5, KSTATUES 4-1; ART 13-13; OLD 6-2) |
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DESCRIPTION: First of all, let’s emphasize the size of this sculpture: This is a huge piece. It measures 36 inches from the bottom
of the base to the top of the warrior’s winged helmet. The base is 14 x 12 inches and is about 4 inches deep. It takes two good, strong men to
lift it. The masterful artwork is by Emile LaPort (1858-1907). The name of this sculpture is “Pro Patria.” The foundry mark is Siot Decauville
Fondeur Paris. Emile LaPort was a genre/landscape painter and sculptor of renown, who exhibited at Salon from 1881 to 1906. He sculpted “Pro
Patria”/Gauois (Teuton) with Son, identical to Bonnardi’s Teuton and Son minus the sword on the son’s hip. His works can be found in
museums—Angers, Autun, and Tourcoing. “Pro Patria,” the name of the sculpture, can be interpreted as “For Fatherland.” Yes, the Teutons were
patriotic and this father as depicted seems to be teaching his son the use of weapons and the ways of war. In the period when this sculpture was
created the French seemed more inspired by the old Teutons and Gauls than the Germans were. Thus, many of the best of the statues in bronze of
Germanic warriors were produced in France. This study is by far the greatest of all such inspiring studies. When one of these “Pro Patria”
sculptures does rarely show up over the years, invariably it is missing the ax and spear that is carried by the young lad. About 5 years ago we
encountered one at an antique show in Miami Beach, Florida. Not only were these mentioned appendages missing, but also the sword from the waist
of the father figure was missing. This sculpture is complete with all weapons and is in marvelous condition. This is a highly dramatic depiction
of life and high adventure among the so-called Barbarians of the Germanic forests and glades. This is a museum piece personified, yet a cultured
Germanophile would be more than proud and fortunate to count this masterpiece in his collection. Action bronzes today are bringing huge prices
at fine antique fairs. We are offering this the absolute greatest sculpture in this particular designated artistic expression at a very
competitive price.
PRICE: $24,500.00 |
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Massive Bronze Statue of a Germanic Hunter (Item BRONZEMET 2-6, KSTATUES 4-3; ART 14-3; HUNT 7-10) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a massive bronze sculpture of a Teutonic huntsman proclaiming the centuries-old announcement of the successful kill.
This is a typical Germanic theme in sculpture, but we have never encountered an example this large or this fine. Here is bronze statuary at the
zenith of perfection. Big? Yes. It measures 35 inches from the bottom of the base to the top of his head, and 40 inches from the bottom of the
base to the tip of the hunting horn held aloft. The slain animal measures 15 inches long. The base is about 11 x 11 inches. His bow is about 30
inches long, and naturally this is a very heavy sculpture. The soft patina is excellent; no casting holes. This is an excellent bronze
sculpture. It is signed “Eug. Morioton.” That would be Eugene Morioton, who worked in the 1880s in both France and Germany; an artist of note
who specialized in action figures in Germanic and Grecian studies. What is depicted so dramatically is the young hunter who gives the hunter a
cry of “Hallali!” This is the German hunting cry given at the end of the successful hunt. At the start of the hunt the Jäger call is “Horrido!”
So “Hallali” and “Horrido” are mutually the “Waldmann’s call.” This hunter killed his prey with the bow and arrow he bears. He also has his
hunting horn with which he will summon the other hunters to tell them of his success. Have you ever thought of having that one ultimate bronze
sculpture; that centerpiece that you can be deservedly proud of? Here is the best! The price we offer it for would easily be triple that amount
at a first-rate antique show or a Madison Avenue gallery. Here is great opportunity. Don’t miss it.
PRICE: $19,000.00; extremely reasonable! |
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Gaulish Warrior on Horse; Art Bronze of the 1890s by Emmanuel Fremiet (Item BRONZEMET 2-7, KSTATUES 4-4; ART 14-4; OLD 6-4) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful bronze executed by the famous French sculptor Emmanuel Fremiet (1824-1910). Fremiet was a nephew of
Rude. His first employment was drawing animals for the Natural History Museum. His family came to Paris from the country, a love for which is
apparent in his early gentle animal sculptures. As he progressed and gained more state and private commissions than he could handle, animals
took a secondary role in his groups. Yet, for all the pressures to produce he must be admired for his historically important figures and for his
meticulous accuracy of uniform, armor, saddle, artists, etc. He was known for monumental figure groupings that can be seen in Paris and
throughout France, and works such as this Gaul warrior were also produced and edited in reduced bronze editions. Fremiet’s great works and
continued popularity make these mini monuments highly valued when found today. The bronze is in perfect condition except for the reins that are
there but are disconnected at the holding end. This can be a attended to very easily. The name of the statue (engraved on the base) is “Chef
Gaulois,” Chief of the Gauls. The wonderful sculpture has all the boldness of the heroic stance of the warrior leader. The armor on the horse
and man, the weapons, and various accouterments serve to make this a beautiful and important art treasure. The measurement is about 15 inches
from the bottom of the base to the top of the Gaulish helmet and about 11 inches from the tail of the horse to this now. The chief by himself is
about 10 a half inches tall in the saddle. The sculpture is clearly marked Fremiet on a plate. At the rear of the horse’s armor are the letters
“SPQR.” This is evidence of fierce battles that were fought by the Germanic tribes against the legions of Rome. This is a captured war trophy
taken by this Gaulish leader. His sword, dagger, and ax are all typical of the weapons of the Germanic warrior societies. This is a very
worthwhile investment for the serious collector of Germanic art.
PRICE: $3,800.00 |
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Equestrian Statue in Bronze of Frederick the Great of Prussia, 1712-1786 (Item BRONZEMET 2-8, KSTATUES 4-7; FRED 4-2) |
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DESCRIPTION: Here is a beautifully executed genuine bronze of “Der alte Fritz,” as King Frederick II of Prussia was known in his senior
years. He was known as one of the most enlightened monarchs in European history. He was King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786 and was of the
Hohenzollern Dynasty, Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire. He truly did fit the title of Frederick the Great. Much about the great King can
be found on the internet. Do look at all our other Frederick offerings on these pages. This statue in bronze is wonderfully detailed with a
beautiful patina. It's mounted on a fine granite plinth, and just above this is a bronze plinth with 18th-century-style detailing with female
figures at each axis. It's almost identical to the huge statue of Frederick by C. D. Rauch in 1851, one of the greatest sculptures of the 19th
century. The huge equestrian stands in the middle of Berlin's “Unter den Linden.” The statue we have and the Berlin statue depict the King
riding on his favorite horse Condé. Around his shoulders are his coronation robes. The major difference is that while the original's base
has the life-size figures and men of politics, art, and science, the small statue we offer has a much more humble base. But the word humble
definitely does not apply to the statue itself. It is bold and dramatic, just as Frederick himself was. The sculpture measures 10 inches high
from the bottom of the granite to the top of his three-cornered hat. The granite base is 9 inches long and about 5 1/3 inches wide. The horse
measures about 7 inches from the tail to snout. The face and uniform look good under normal visage and inspection, but shows a bit of caster’s
blemish here and there. All in all this is just a really great sculpture and one that you will be exceedingly proud to place on your desk or
mantle. This is a great tribute to a great statesman and warrior!
PRICE: SOLD |
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Kaiser Wilhelm Equestrian Statue (Item BRONZEMET 2-9, KSTATUE 5-14) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a magnificent depiction of Germany’s most beloved king and kaiser, Wilhelm the First, His Hohenzollern
Majesty. It is in fine art bronze with a wonderful patina and is as fine a likeness of the warrior king as we have ever seen. It was this
fearless monarch along with Prince Otto Von Bismarck that smashed the French Empire’s army to pieces in the Franco-Prussian War and established
the unity of all the various states into a unified Germany and he goes down in history as the first German Emperor reigning from 18 January 1871
to 9 March 1888. It was at the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles that he was proclaimed German Emperor. He was the father of Kaiser Frederick
Wilhelm III and grandfather of Kaiser Wilhelm II of WWI fame. He was termed “The Warrior King” and he served in the Prussian Army from 1814,
onward. He fought against Napoleon I of France and was reportedly a very brave soldier. He fought under Gebhard Lebercht Von Blucher at the
Battles of Ligny and Waterloo. During the Revolution of 1848. Wilhelm successfully crushed a revolt that was aimed at his elder brother, King
Frederick Wilhelm IV. In his memoirs the great Chancellor Otto V. Bismarck describes Wilhelm as an old-fashioned, courteous, infallibly polite
gentleman and a genuine Prussian officer whose good common sense was occasionally undermined by ‘female influences’. Wilhelm was
extremely monarchist and blatantly antisocialist (*to his everlasting credit). Obama wouldn’t have liked him at all! Several
assassination attempts were made against him by leftist street scum during his reign. An antisocialist law went into effect signed by the
emperor in 1878 almost entirely prompted by Prince Bismarck who said: “If I don’t want any chickens then I must smash the
eggs!” Still he was most beloved by the masses of his people. His grandson, Wilhelm II, idolized his grandfather and he was
instrumental in later attempts to foster a cult of the first German emperor as “Wilhelm the Great.” Wilhelm’s primary interests
were the army and hunting, and most pictures of him show him in the uniform of the Garde du Corps, along with his personal elite corps of
stalwart soldiers who wore the Prussian eagle perched upon their helmets. The magnificent equestrian statue that we offer is probably the finest
likeness of the Kaiser that we have ever seen. During his reign and long after, there were more than 1,000 memorials to him including the famed
Kyffhäuser monument in Thuringia and the equestrian one at Deutsches Eck where the Rhine and the Mosselle meet near Koblenz. The Americans in
their lusty destructive zeal to destroy all German historical sites and monuments purposely fired artillery shells at it in 1945 thereby utterly
destroying the magnificent gigantic statue. (KULTURTRÄGERS!) With German reunification in 1990, the Düsseldorf sculptor, Raymond Kittl,
was commissioned to produce a replica of the original statue and now one can see a perfect re-creation of the sculpture in place. The original
statue had an inscription on its base that said “Nimmer wird das Reich zerstöret, wenn ihr einig seid und treu! (Never will the Empire be
destroyed, so long as you are united and loyal!). This bronze that we offer, as you can see from our images, is wonderfully detailed. The
measurements are 15 inches from the muzzle of the horse to its tail and 16 inches from the bottom of the base to the top of the emperor’s Garde
du Corps helmet. See a beautiful example of this type of helmet with an explanation by going to KHELMET 2-11. The
bronze signed by the artist W. Uhlmann and the foundry are seen on the base and here is none other than the famed H. Gladenbeck and Sohn.
Acktion Gesellshaft in Berlin. So, collectors, here is just about the finest bronze that you will ever see that so graphically depicts this
illustrious emperor and heroic figure of the west.
PRICE: $6,950.00 |
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Tray Commemorating Kaiser Wilhelm I in Berlin (Item BRONZEMET 2-9a; KSTATUE 5-14a) |
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DESCRIPTION: In the articles at KSTATUE 5-14 and BRONZEMET 2-9 (above), we show a magnificent equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm Hohenzollern I. We mentioned in the accompanying article that there were more than 1,000 statues and memorials to him for he was indeed Germany’s most beloved king and Kaiser. He was also the ‘Warrior’ King. In his defeat of Napoleon III, he secured and declared the unity of the German states; announced and joyfully proclaimed at Versailles. This tray shows the Triumphal Plaza in Berlin along with a magnificent equestrian statue of the Kaiser with the Gates of Triumph in the background. This was probably the greatest of all the memorials to him. To read more about Germany’s imperial hero of the ages, go to the aforementioned narratives where we explain his life and times in more detail. The tray is an important relic from the time of imperial pomp, circumstance, and glory. PRICE: $145.00 |
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Brass Lamp and Brick-a-Brack Stand for the Classic Arms Collector’s Private Den (Item BRONZEMET 2-10) |
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DESCRIPTION: Here is a seldom-seen article; in fact, it was probably custom made for a dedicated collector of arms and armor. It’s
a three-tiered standing lamp with three muskets as supports and legs. At the muzzle of each of the guns is a set of Morian-style helmets and a
chest plate as worn by cuirassiers of old, often referred to as a cuirass. Behind this are two lances that are seen on two of the pieces, and
swords are placed on the back of one of the helmets and cuirass. One of the sword grips is missing. The whole thing is so spectacular looking
that I never noticed that that grip was missing until it was here at our gallery for a week; it’s hardly noticeable. The three tiers are highly
decorative with designs of Grecian mythological amazons and mermaid-type female apparitions mixed with a potpourri of designs of shields and
weapons all in high-relief casting. The gentleman who owned this piece was not only a connoisseur of weapons, but also quite wealthy, surely a
landed gentry, at least. The sections with the plates stand 30 inches high, while the lamp pole section is 21 inches. So it measures 54 inches
high altogether. (Nice size for standing next to your favorite recliner in your den, “My Lord!”) The piece is probably from the early 20th
century; it may be as early as 1890. Beautiful indeed! Do not deprive yourself of this because you won’t sleep well at night when you see a
SOLD sign on it (that’s for sure!)
PRICE: A bargain at $750.00 |
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“Der Sieg!” (The Victory!) (Item BRONZEMET 2-11; KSTATUE 5-15) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful depiction in bronze sculpture of a warrior of the old Germanic Reich around the year 9 CE, when an
alliance of Germanic tribes led by Hermann or Arminius of the Cherusci tribe ambushed and decisively destroyed three Roman
Legions along with their auxiliaries led by Publius Quinctilius Varus. The battle known as the “Hermannsschlacht” totally stopped the
Romans’ concerted efforts to conquer and permanently hold” Germania” beyond the Rhine River. Around 15,000-20,000 Roman soldiers died and Varus
and many of his officers are said to have taken their own lives by falling on their swords in the approved manner taught to them as soldiers of
Rome. Tacitus wrote that many officers were sacrificed by the Germanic forces as a part of their indigenous religious ceremonies; many were
cooked in pots and their bones used in rituals. However, others, including enlisted personnel, were ransomed and enslaved. The warrior in bronze
we offer has a helmet that may be constructed on the anvils of the very technically advanced Cherusci or it’s one taken from a Roman auxiliary
soldier. The sword is typically Germanic, but the shield is 100-percent Roman of the type used exclusively by officers; the face on the shield
might betray artistic license to some extent and could depict Arminius or even Varus. The height of the sculpture is exactly 2 feet from the
bottom of the marble plinth to the point of the sword. The measurement of the warrior from foot to the top of his helmet is 13 ½ inches not
counting the upraised arm. The Germanic warriors usually fought like the Picts of ancient Scotland—in the nude—thereby not being encumbered by
bothersome clothing that curtails direct action of the arms and legs. They were fierce fighting men, who expected no quarter and gave none in
battle. This is a very fine bronze and it’s signed. Although the artist was a master at depicting the human figure his signature is almost
illegible. If anyone recognizes the artists name from the picture of the signature that we show we would be most appreciative. There is a
foundry mark from Ernst Kraag in Berlin stamped on the base. So, here we have an important art bronze that tells part of the story of the most
important historical battle of all time. Heil Hermann, Heil Germania. Sieg Heil! PRICE: $2,850.00 |
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Three-Dimensional Plaque in Iron of the Führer (Item BRONZEMET 2-12; ART 11-8; AH 17-1; BRONZE 2-8) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is without any hesitation, incredible. It is an iron sculpture that could be called a plaque or a bust. Should
we choose to call it a plaque it must be noted that it is completely 3-dimensional, standing out in amazing relief. You could also use the
terminology, “one-quarter bust.” It measures 13 inches high and 7 3/4 inches across from ear to ear and 11 inches across the shoulders. The
likeness is astounding and it depicts the Führer in the uniform shirt of the Kampfzeit (the struggle for power). The sculpture was
accomplished in 1933 by an artist by the name of J. Ave. This was the Seigesjahr, or time of victory, for Hitler and the NSDAP. This is a
heavy sculpture and the fittings on the back are structured to possibly be attached to a wooden plaque or possibly to an architectural wall,
somewhere. We have been at this business for a very long time and have visited Kampfzeit collections in the U.S., Germany, the U.K., and
Austria and we have never seen the likes of this one. We believe it is probably unique. On the backside it has the impressed wording: “Fr.
Köster Heide” and something to the extent that copying it will be highly Verboten (forbidden). This also convinces us that this is a
one-of-a-kind artistic endeavor. It is much rarer than any Hitler bust in bronze. This is an early treasure of the Third Reich that truly
belongs in a museum or a notable collection.
PRICE: SOLD |
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 The lance |
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 The signature |
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 Note: 5th Uhlan boards |
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Massive Equestrian Bronze Statue of the 5th Regiment Prussian Uhlans (Item BRONZEMET 2-13; BRONZE 2-9; KHISTORY 1-15; KSTATUE 5-16; KSPEC 1-4) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a magnificent bronze depiction of a mounted horseman of the Fifth Uhlan Regiment of the Kaisers 3rd Cavalry Division attached to the First German Army Command. They served with particular distinction in the Franco Prussian war and WW1. Uhlans were light cavalry, actually Lancers, who fought with carbines, swords, and lances. The title Uhlan was used by Lancer regiments in the Russian, Austrian and especially the Prussian armies. Uhlans typically wore a double buttoned tunic (Kurta) with a colored panel at the front, a colored sash and a square topped Lancer cap (Czapka), also spelled chapka. This cap was originally derived from a traditional design of the Polish civilian cap made more formal and stylized for military use. Their Lances usually had small swallow tail pennants known as the Lance Pennon that was found just below the spearhead (see our pictures). Prussian Uhlans distinguished themselves and fought bravely in the war against Napoleon. In WW1 the Imperial German Army included 26 Uhlan regiments. They all saw action while on duty at the first part of the war and their charge with lances struck fear in the hearts of the enemy since it has well been known that these were formidable warriors adept at warfare (up front and personal!). Later in the second year of the war the Uhlan regiments were either dismounted to serve as cavalry rifle regiments in the trenches of the western front or transferred to the eastern front where primitive conditions made it still possible for horse cavalry to play an effective role. In WWII a popular myth is that Polish cavalry armed with lances charged and were annihilated by German tanks during the 1939 campaign; this arose from the misreporting (both intentional and unintentional) of the charge at Krojanty on 1 September when two squadrons of Polish 18th Lancers armed with lances and sabers were met in combat by German cavalry led by Harry Von Johnston in what was the last charge of German cavalry with sabre. The Poles were dispersed and defeated by Germans who rode one last time in the spirit of the Old Prussian Uhlans. This is a little known fact of history that for the most part has remained hidden for all these years. The bronze statue is accurate in every detail and prodigiously dramatic in its heroic depiction. It is a huge and heavy sculpture done in the finest mode of German bronze art. It measures 26 inches high from the bottom of the base to the top of the Uhlan Czapka. The horse is 22 inches long from tail to muzzle. The base is measured at 19 ½ x 7 inches. The sculpture is signed by Leon Mignon (1847-1898), a sculptor from Brussels, Belgium. He studied under the sculptor Prosper Drion (1822–1906) at the Académie in Liège from 1857 to 1871. He was a particular admirer of the anecdotal sculpture of Léopold Harzé (1831–1893). His vocation as a sculptor of animal subjects began in Rome, where he studied on a grant from 1872 to 1876. He exhibited in Ghent (1874) and on several occasions in Paris (where he lived from 1876 to 1882) at the Salon des Artistes Français. He achieved prominence at the exposition Universelle of 1878 in Paris with his bulls fighting in the Roman countryside (Brussels, mus. a. mod.). In 1880–81, he shared a studio with the Belgian sculptor Paul DeVigne, whom he had met in Rome. Mignon’s bull tamer (liège, parc avroy) took the gold medal at the Salon of 1880. In 1882 he settled in Brussels and in 1888 produced the labors of Hercules reliefs for the stairway of the palace of Charles de Lorraine (now part of the Bibliothèque Royale Albertier). He sculpted several historical figures for the provincial law courts and was an astute philosopher of his time. In 1892 he sculpted many subjects for the Université de Liège. He excelled as a sculptor of animal subjects. Mignon occupies a leading place in Belgian realist art. He also modeled busts of Belgian personalities as well as a statuette of the Belgian painter Hubert Bellis; figurines of workers, soldiers from the Belgian regiments (c. 1889), and even an equestrian statue of a Prussian Uhlan, France’s enemy in the 1870 war; and a statue of Leopold in 1886 ( Brussels, mus. a. mod.). His works are preserved in the Musée de l’art Wallon, Liège, and the Musée d’Art Moderne, Brussels. He was completing a frieze for the Hôtel Somzée in Brussels when he died unexpectedly. He was an amazing artist and a cultured man of vision. A grand museum grade art piece personified and extraordinaire! It is priced under market value for a sculpture as fine as this one is. It is certain that one could not find any such dramatic artistic accomplishment to rival this one. Here he is! In all his Imperial glory. Listen as you view him and perhaps, just perhaps, you will hear the strains of “Heil Dir im Seigerkranz” (Hail to thee in Victors Crown.) Deutschlands Helden Lebt in ewig leben! PRICE: SOLD |
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Teutonic Warrior with Shield by the Prestigious Sculptor Victor Heinrich Seifert (Item BRONZEMET 2-14) |
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DESCRIPTION: The artist Victor Heinrich Seifert (1870-1953), was a German sculptor who specialized in very life-like female figures,
military subjects, and warriors of the Germanic tribes. He was a prolific artist working and producing gorgeous bronzes right up to the time of
his death in 1953. Seifert produced many genre sculptures and city monuments (for example, a statue of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck). His
general figures were produced with pleasure by foundries in Berlin making wonderful interior ornaments. Some of the work of the German sculptor
Seifert is on display at the Russian Hermitage museum. We show in our pictorial section herein the magnificent Dennewitz Denkmal Buelow
at Dennewitz, Brandenburg. This memorial marks the place of the epic battle fought there in the war against Napoleon in 1813. Seifert today is
recognized as one of the greatest artists in the presentation of realism-in-sculpture right along with Josef Thorak and Arno Brecker. His
sculptures bring very high prices at auction; especially his depiction of warriors. This warrior with the beautiful marble plinth is 25 inches
high. The bronze itself without plinth is 20 inches high; the plinth is 5 inches deep and 8 x 5 inches wide. The man’s shield is 9 inches high.
The Teutonic man at arms is depicted with sword and shield. He wears the helmet with the short bullhorn adornment. These warriors are usually
shown with the large, sleeping rams or bullhorns. This one is, however, typical of the style worn by the Cherusi, the tribal group that were the
main assault team who defeated the Roman Legions in the year 9 in the Battle of the Teutoberg Forest. He wears a garment fashioned from animal
skins and appears ready for battle. Here we have possibly the best of the male statues by this one-of-the-finest European sculptures of the 20th
century. This is surely a recommended investment for the wise entrepreneur; a true museum-grade prize, (so very rare.) We doubt that many of
these were ever issued. Our price is most reasonable considering the rarity, beauty, and historical importance of this spectacular piece of
European art.
PRICE: A bargain at $5,800.00 Special sale; reduced to $4,200.00 |
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Emile Louis Picault’s Master Work in Bronze; “The Jousting Knight at Rest” (Item BRONZEMET 2-15) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is an absolutely incredible sculpture by the sculptor who is considered the greatest proponent of romantic bronzes the
world has ever seen. This, of course, was Emile Louis Picault 1833-1915. He was not only the greatest, but also the most prolific of the
European sculptors. His works appeared regularly at the Paris salon beginning in 1863. He was associated with the symbolist movement and
specialized in allegorical and mythological subjects. He exhibited his famed sculpture Perseus and Pegasus at the Salon in 1888. Patriotic
subjects were also expressions that Picault was fond of creating. Picault studied under the great sculptor Royer. In his work Bronzes,
Sculptors and Founders, Harold Bermann notes a large number of bronzes by this master. He was the greatest art realist of his time and is
recognized as such until the advent in the 20’s and 30’s in Germany of Josef Thorak and Arno Brecker. In the summer of 2012, I visited the Miami
Beach Antique Show and in one of the front booths was the most amazing bronze statuary groups ever displayed in the art world; it was by Emile
Louis Picault, and was undoubtedly his master trophy piece of all time. There were people lined up to view this magnificent masterpiece and when
it sold early in the show it brought well over $300,000 and there was a Russian dealer who, just after the sale, offered $75,000 more to the
American dealer if he would sell it to him, instead (this was after the sale was concluded and, of course, the American dealer refused to do
this). The statuary group was called “Le Devoir" which translates to (“The Duty”) and featured horses, chariots, centaurs, and classical figures
all mounted on a verde marbletopped paneled base. The overall size of the piece is stunning at 64 ¼ inches high and 83 ¾ inches long by 33 ½
inches across. Oddly enough the plaque that is on it shows it to have been presented in 1880 to a Lt. Col. Burdett, the High Sheriff of the
Parrish of Richmond (England) by his friends on the occasion of his succession to the family title. Here was the ultimate figural group by
France’s ultimate sculptor. Monsieur Picault was certainly the Michelangelo of bronze sculpture, and this mounted medieval knight certainly
ranks up there with his greatest contributions to the art. The knight is fully dressed in jousting armor which is accurate right up to the full
jaw and mouth protection collar. At the side of the chest armor you can see the hook-like device; this the piece that the jousting lance
positions against when in use. Not only is the young knight portrayed dramatically and accurately, but the horse is also amazingly lifelike with
the ceremonial stirrups, bridle, and saddle. The knight wears dagger, sword, and a talisman, or medallion, about his neck. The measurements are
72 inches from the horse’s head to tail. The measurement from the bottom of the base to the top of the head of the knight is 20 inches. This is
a big bronze and weighs about 75 pounds with its green marble base. This is truly a museum-worthy sculpture and the name Picault comes down to
us out of the pages of art in a time of the Great Master’s creations that it seems can never be matched. We show pictures of other Picault
pieces, as well as the great and splendid statuary group, “Le Devoir.”
PRICE: $7,950.00 |
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The Germanic Emperors Charlemagne and Barbarossa (Item BRONZEMET 2-16; OLD 7-9) |
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DESCRIPTION:Here are two fantastic plaques depicting wonderful portraits of Germany’s mighty Monarchs, Karl der Grosse (Charlemagne) and
Frederick Barbarossa. Charlemagne (Karl der Grosse) was the founder of the Carolingian Empire, becoming the king of the Franks, and undisputed ruler of the Frankish Kingdom. Through his many military conquests he expanded his kingdom into an empire that incorporated much of western and central Europe. He is often called The Father of Europe, but he is still considered a great tyrant by the Saxon people and others whom he forcibly Christianized in a most brutal manner, while employing murder and horrific bloody warfare. He reached the height of his power when he was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day. Both the French and German monarchies considered their kingdoms to be descendants of Charlemagne’s empire. Much about him can be found on the internet. He was an almighty powerful ruler who did so much good, but he did this good usually over the bodies of those he was doing good for. He broke the power of the Saxons by inviting 400 of their chiefs to a peace parley and then when they sat down to dine his Franks fell upon them and murdered them, and before the war that ensued was over, 4,500 Saxons were beheaded. Karl der Grosse did all of this in the name of the “Prince of peace”, but then I guess good-old Dick Cheney would do the same I believe in the name of empire building and the pursuit of riches beyond imagination! Frederick I Barbarossa reigned as Holy Roman Emperor from 1152-1190. A gifted leader he sought to restore glory to the empire and campaigned in Germania. He succeeded Conrad III, King of all the Germans in 1552 and was presented with the Imperial Seal. His desire was to bring back glory and majesty to Germany and the Holy Roman Empire. He played a huge part in the various crusades and even fought against the armies of Pope Alexander. He was a great warrior and leader and although he was granted the title of Holy Roman emperor his relationship with the Papacy turned sour when Alexander III became pope. He was fearless in battle and he had a long, red beard later in life. The name Barbarossa means “Red Beard.” He fought in the First and Second Crusades and in the Third Crusade he raised an army of one hundred thousand men and started for Palestine. He marched into Asia Minor, attacked the Moslem forces and soundly defeated them in two great battles. But before the brave old warrior reached the Holy Land his career was suddenly brought to an end! One day his army was crossing a small bridge in Asia Minor at a moment when the bridge was crowded with troops and Frederick rode up rapidly. He was impatient to join his son who was leading the advanced platoons. When he found that he could not cross immediately by the bridge, he plunged into the river hoping to cross with his horse, but both horse and rider were swept away by the current. Frederick’s heavy armor made him helpless and he was drowned. His body was recovered and buried at Antioch. In the empire he left behind, the dead hero was long mourned and for many years the people believed that Frederick was not really dead, but was asleep in a cave in the mountains of Germany with his gallant knights around him. He was supposed to be sitting in his chair of state with the crown upon his head, his eyes half closed in slumber, his beard as white as snow, so long, that it reached the ground. “When the ravens cease to fly ‘round the mountain” says the legend, Barbarossa shall awake and restore Germany to its ancient greatness. Interestingly enough the German invasion of Russia was named Operation Barbarossa and as Frederick fought against eastern forces that defied his God and his Fatherland, Adolf Hitler invoked Barbarossa’s name in the great crusade of the 1940’s and in the spirit of the earlier crusades he, like Frederick, broke the power of the beast with his preemptive strike. Had this not transpired, the Communists would have shortly breached the German borders and quickly overrun the entire western lands all the way to the Atlantic? History often repeats itself. History often would seem to be a continuum. We need another Emperor Barbarossa or perhaps even a less-murderous Charlemagne! The plaques are of bronze or brass and are fantastic in detail. They are large measuring about 2 ft. in diameter each. They are in perfect condition retaining all the fine original old patina. PRICE: SOLD |
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“Pro Patria” (For Fatherland) by Émile Laporte (Item BRONZEMET 2-17) |
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DESCRIPTION: Here is a smaller size of the spectacular statue by the famous artist Émile Laporte of an ancient Germanic warrior who is teaching his son the combative arts. We have another in the larger size in this section above at BRONZEMET 2-5. I never knew it came in the smaller version until I attended a special antique venue in Paris recently. The sculpture is extremely rare in either size and I was extremely fortunate to procure the second one, let alone the first. Although size does not determine the value of a bronze sculpture, completeness, detail, patina, and what we at Germania pay for one is entirely applicable. So, you may consider this one a bargain indeed. The figure is perfect throughout and the ax and spear that the boy carries is all there and completely intact. These are pieces that would be considered the more fragile ones in such a sculpture and it’s always amazing to see them present and accounted for. The larger version measures 36 inches from the bottom of the base to the top of the helmet. The masterful work was done by the prolific artist Émile Laporte (1858-1907). Please read the information that accompanies the large sculpture at BRONZEMET 2-5, and repeated at ART 13-13, OLD 6-2, and KSTATUES 4-1. Here is a chance to procure the famed sculpture in a size that doesn’t require a castle gallery to display. It measures 25 inches from the bottom of the base to the top of the helmet and the base measures 8 x 10 inches. Lastly, this statue was in its time considered such excellent, sculpted art that Laporte was encouraged to exhibit it at the Salon des Beaux-Arts in Paris as exhibit nr. 3659. This of course was considered the highest honor ever bestowed on an individual artist. This was the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in France. Between the years 1748 and 1890, it was the greatest annual art event in the Western world. On the front of the base of this sculpture we offer an attached plaque with the Beaux-arts information on it. So, not only does the buyer get one of the most realistic and beautiful bronzes ever struck in this subject, but actually a prodigiously important historical relic as well.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.
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barracks throughout the Reich in the 1930's and 1940's. There is some damage from rough GI handling. We have shown the bayonet
slash and the dent on the helmet's surface in the pictures. They are there; placed by some other hero!!!, but they really don't detract that
much from the overall sheer militant beauty of this historic treasure. No signature is evident. This is a large and heavy bronze measuring 19
inches tall including the marble base. From shoulder to shoulder measures about 10 inches. From the brim to the back of the helmet base
measures about 7 x 5 inches. This is a seldom-seen trophy of the "brother wars" that have unfortunately beset our century and today are a
continuum! The NSDAP armband is placed for size perspective.
