Auction No.089: Art Nouveau - Art Déco

Auction No.089, 20 and 21 April 2010

Art Nouveau - Art Déco
Hagenauer - Private Collection


Public viewing:
15. / 16. April: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
17. / 18. April: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
19. April: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  

Preface of Mr. Perroud

25 years ago, when I bought a tiny metal figurine of a stylised warrior on the flea market, I was not aware that this would mark the beginning of a long-lasting passion. I discovered the fascinating world of Hagenauer through this little African boy.

From 1928, Karl, Franz and Grete Hagenauer had taken over from their father Carl, who had founded the workshop. They designed implements like corkscrews, bookends, inkwells, candlesticks, radiator mascots, other decorative items and monumental sculptures. Each of these artworks shows an enormous creativity that knew no bounds. The most fascinating thing was the exquisite quality of the design and the perfect handicraft. They single out the pieces by Hagenauer. There is no other workshop for this kind of decorative art in the whole world.

Even today, the sculptures stay appealing, because they link character and humour. Eighty years after their conception, most of the models have still kept their modernity. The Hagenauer brothers managed to create a typical and distinguishable style for their items and figurines. If one thinks about how many different pieces the Hagenauer workshop had produced – certainly multiple thousands - this is most impressive.

Each item, from the smallest animal figurine to the largest sculpture has a strong live of its own. Each piece has its own character and deserves to be cherished in a new surrounding.

Philippe Perroud