Hans Carl Alfred Voelcklerling (1872 - 1945) At the Start (c...

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Hammer

£5,800

Fees

Hans Carl Alfred Voelcklerling (1872 - 1945)
At the Start (c. 1913)
Bronze with medium brown patina and black undertones
Signed 'Voelckerling'

Fred Voelckerling, the eminent Dresden artist, hailed as a prodigious German painter, draftsman, and sculptor. In his tender years of merely four, he embarked on a remarkable journey, harnessing his talents by sketching noble steeds and valiant soldiers. From 1892 to 1894, he immersed himself in erudition at the School of Applied Arts in Dresden, furthering his craft. His insatiable quest for excellence led him to the hallowed halls of the Academy of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills from 1895 to 1896. Subsequently, he ventured to Paris, the wellspring of artistic erudition, to augment his proficiency.

Upon returning to his native Dresden, Voelckerling graced the world with his masterful creations. The pinnacle of his oeuvre lay in the splendid equestrian statues, regrettably consigned to oblivion through the ravages of time. Additionally, he breathed life into bronze sculptures, immortalizing the grace and majesty of animals, predominantly the noble equine creatures and their equestrians. His dexterous hands also crafted captivating portrait works, capturing the essence and visage of his subjects with uncanny precision.

Yet, it is within the realm of animal portrayal that Voelckerling's genius shone most radiantly. His ardor and devotion were unreservedly dedicated to the equine realm, unveiling their spirited existence in a myriad of settings. He artfully presented these magnificent creatures engaged in various pursuits - dutifully serving, traversing boundless prairies, pursuing the noble hunt, gracing the Polo-field with elegance, or galloping with fervor upon the racetrack.

Provenance:
American private collection

Literature:
Thieme-Becker's German artists encyclopedia.
Ernst-Gunter Knuppel, 'Robert Diez. Bildhauerkunst zwischen Romantik und Jugendstil', Leipzig, 2009 (p.189-190)

Dimensions:
15 in. (H) x 13 in. (W)