Early 20th Century Werkstätte Stretching Brass Cat on Clear Plinth Hagenauer Style

Details

Description

A brass cat sculpture on a clear acrylic base stylized with a smooth, elongated body and a tail curled under. … Read more A brass cat sculpture on a clear acrylic base stylized with a smooth, elongated body and a tail curled under. The cat is in a stretching position. It is quite large compared to other similar works, and quite heavy weighing 2lbs. As far as I can see there are no identifying markings, however there are a couple of dents that look like a maker’s mark could have been an mis-strike, pictured.


I have a hunch that this stretching cat is possibly one of a pair, and the other would be an arching cat, but I could find no proof of that. It is heavy enough to be used as the most exquisite doorstop, and if it is one of a pair of bookends, is substantial enough to hold up books on its own.



The term "werkstatte" refers to the Wiener Werkstätte, which translates to "Vienna Workshops." This was an Austrian collective of artists and designers founded in 1903. Their goal was to elevate everyday objects into pieces of art by combining high-quality design with craftsmanship. The collective produced a wide range of items, including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, metalwork, and textiles. The Wiener Werkstätte's style influenced generations of architects and designers, from Bauhaus to Art Deco.

The Wiener Werkstätte was known for its unique aesthetic, which emphasized geometric lines, repeated patterns, and the use of luxurious materials. They aimed to create a "Gesamtkunstwerk," or total work of art, where all elements of a design were considered integral to the whole. This cat sculpture, with its sleek lines and elegant form, reflects the aesthetic principles of the Wiener Werkstätte. See less