Lot 89
  • 89

HANS JOSEPHSOHN | Untitled, 1987

Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 CHF
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Description

  • Hans Josephsohn
  • Untitled, 1987
  • Signed "JOS", dated and numbered 2/6 on the back;index number and foundry stamp inside on the back
  • Brass
  • 128 x 63 x 53 cm

Provenance

Kesselhaus Josephsohn / Galerie Felix Lehner
LoMA Art GmbH
Private collection, Switzerland

Literature

Hans-Jürgen Lechtreck Aa.Vv, Hans Josephsohn. Existenzielle Plastik, Museum Folkwang, 2018, p. 128-120, ill (comparable work)

Catalogue Note

This sculpture is registered in the Josephsohn index of Kesselhaus Josephsohn under no. 3088.  Throughout his career, Josephsohn’s sculptures focus on the human figure as a volume in space. This large size half-figure in brass is one of the best examples to appear on the market. The simplicity of the form evokes the simple postures of the human body, prehistory, ancient stone steles and romanesque figures. 
Although his models were mostly women, drwan from his personal environment, his works don’t have portrait-like character or individual traits. Most importantly, the motive of permanence is key and any narrative gesture is out of the question. Josephsohn’s sculptures are contemplative and suggest the humans fragile relationship with the world in which they lives.
Following a first large solo show in 2002 at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, many others have followed worldwide, testifying to his significant contribution to visual art as the most important figurative sculptor in post-war Europe.