- 1
Johann Philipp Ferdinand Preiss
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Johann Philipp Ferdinand Preiss
- Con Brio
bronze signed F. Preiss
- cold-painted and parcel-gilt-bronze; carved and tinted ivory; on an onyx base
- edited by Preiss & Kassler, Berlin
Provenance
Private Collection, New York
Christie's New York, June 12, 2003, lot 6
Literature
Bryan Catley, Art Deco and other Figures, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 1978, p. 283
Victor Arwas, Art Deco Sculpture, London, 1992, p. 172
Alberto Shayo, Ferdinand Preiss, Art Deco Sculptor, the fire and the flame, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2005, p. 174 (for the model on a variant dished base)
Victor Arwas, Art Deco Sculpture, London, 1992, p. 172
Alberto Shayo, Ferdinand Preiss, Art Deco Sculptor, the fire and the flame, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2005, p. 174 (for the model on a variant dished base)
Condition
Overall the sculpture is in very good condition. The ivory has mellowed to a fairly consistent warm tone overall. There are two small cracks to the back of the engaged leg as expected with age. There is a small dark inclusion in the ivory to the figure's abdomen which is inherent in the material itself as seen in the catalogue illustration. The figure's left proper hand has had the little finger re-attached. The finger is her original finger which has merely be re-affixed to her hand. The cold painting to the bronze is in a very nice state of preservation with only minor retouching notably to the gold border of her hat. Some minor rubbing and oxidization to the bronze as expected. The base has one small area of grinding to the front corner to repair a chip. The sculpture and base are structurally sound.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The title Con Brio is derived from the Italian musical term meaning with brilliance or spirit. After World War I, Preiss moved away from the depictions of classical maidens indicative of his pre-war repertoire. The subject of the present lot is inspired by the cabaret and musical revues of Europe's capital cities, which were widely publicized in the decadent Berlin of the interwar period. The figure captures the ideal of the modern liberated woman: athletic, poised and with a heady sense of carefree abandon.