Johan Altorf (1876-1955)

Collection J. Erwteman, Brussels, thence by descent 

P. A. Terwen, Het ceramische werk van J. C. Altorf en de samenwerking met C. J. Lanooy, Vormen uit Vuur no. 164, Amsterdam 1998, pp.3 - 9, 12, cat. no. 5

two very small glaze damages at the extreme tips of the ears, a few interlocking glaze hairlines to the top and the back of the head and numerous very small glaze pits, otherwise in very good condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sculptor J. C. Altorf (1876 - 1955) was a versatile artist, experimenting with various materials and different types of free and applied sculpture, specializing in animal sculpture. Ceramic artist Chris Lanooij (1881 - 1948) was renowned for his technical skill and artistic talent. Although the paths of both artists must have crossed several times before 1911, it was probably their mutual acquaintance and mecenas H. P. Bremmer (1872 - 1955) who stimulated them to work together on a series of porcelain and earthenware animal figures.

Apart from the artistic challenge, this project must have appealed to the poverty-stricken Altorf because of the low production costs of ceramics compared to bronze. Between 1911 and 1915, a group of five animals, modelled by Altorf and executed by Lanooij (an elephant, an owl, a cockatoo, a bison and a monkey), was produced in limited editions.

The owl here offered for sale was made in an edition of 12, as indicated inside the hollow figure. The underglaze-painted mark also acknowledges Bremmer's involvement in the project, showing a triangle with three letters: A (Altorf), B (Bremmer) and L (Lanooij). It is believed that all the figures by Altorf and Lanooij were sold with a fruitwood base made by Altorf himself.

A wooden sculpture of an owl by Altorf from the collection of Bremmer was sold in our sale of 23 May 2007, AM1029, lot 57

We kindly thank drs Rob Driessen for the catalogue text of this work.