- 384
Ernst Moritz Geyger
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Ernst Moritz Geyger
- The Archer
- signed E.M. GEYGER FEC and with foundry mark AKT.GES.vorm.H.GLADENBECK u SOHN / BERLIN FRIEDRICHSHAGEN
- brown patinated bronze
- height 23 in.
- 58.5 cm
Literature
RELATED LITERATURE
Ethos und Pathos: Die Berliner Bildhauerschule 1786-1914, ex.cat., Berlin 1990, pp.109-10, 347-48, 459-60, no.148; P.Bloch & W.Grzimek, Das Klassische Berlin, Berlin 1978, p.313, no.307
Ethos und Pathos: Die Berliner Bildhauerschule 1786-1914, ex.cat., Berlin 1990, pp.109-10, 347-48, 459-60, no.148; P.Bloch & W.Grzimek, Das Klassische Berlin, Berlin 1978, p.313, no.307
Condition
Overall in good condition. Formerly set on a marble base. Traces of wear to patina at high relief of figure.
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 Bogenschütz ranks as one of the most iconic works of German sculpture from the turn of the nineteenth to twentieth century. It was conceived soon after Geyger's arrival in Florence in 1895. He worked up the monumental 4-metre high statue from beaten copper and submitted it to the Grosse Berliner Kunstaustellung of 1900. Critically acclaimed, it was purchased by the Kaiser in 1902 and installed on a plinth of the Kaiser's design in the Sizilianischen Garten at Sanssouci, Potsdam.
While Geyger's inspiration ultimately derives from antiquity and more specifically from an ancient torso of a wrestler in Berlin (mistakenly restored as an archer), his achievement lies in the fresh and modern reinterpretation of the Ideal. The Bogenschütz proved to be a commercial success for the Gladenbeck foundry which acquired the rights to cast reductions in bronze. They edited them in three sizes, of which this is the rare largest size.
While Geyger's inspiration ultimately derives from antiquity and more specifically from an ancient torso of a wrestler in Berlin (mistakenly restored as an archer), his achievement lies in the fresh and modern reinterpretation of the Ideal. The Bogenschütz proved to be a commercial success for the Gladenbeck foundry which acquired the rights to cast reductions in bronze. They edited them in three sizes, of which this is the rare largest size.