Vintage Signed Cleo Hartwig "Owl" Sculpture, Mid-Century Modern

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This Art Deco resin sculpture of a standing owl was made by American artist Cleo Hartwig around 1969. The owl's … Read more This Art Deco resin sculpture of a standing owl was made by American artist Cleo Hartwig around 1969. The owl's smooth surface is punctuated by the carved eyes, beak and claws, giving the piece a haunting yet calming effect. The sculpture is inscribed on the base of the piece, which is mounted on a five-sided black base. The scukpture measures approximately 10" tall by 3.5" x 4" (base measure approximately 4" across).

Cleo Hartwig (20 October 1907 – 18 June 1988) was an American sculptor who worked in stone, wood, terra cotta, plaster, paper, woodcut, and ceramic.She won a number of awards, including national awards, and her work is exhibited across the northeast U.S. She is regarded as a member of The New York School. Hartwig belongs to a line of 'direct carvers," a technique whereby the artist carves directly into the materials, without the use of intermediary steps. The conception and execution of the work is influenced by the density, veining, color, texture, and shape of the material.

During the last decade of her life (1980s), Hartwig exhibited in more shows than in any previous decade—58 in all. Her "Owlet," shown at the New York Botanical Garden's Conservatory, was also featured in The New York Times. She was invited to serve on juries around the country, including the 4th North American Sculpture Exhibition, for which she was co-juror with Francisco Zúñiga. She received more awards, gave masterclasses, and continued to sculpt until just months before her death. Hartwig died on June 18, 1988, in New York City.After she died the Sculptors Guild dedicated its 1990 Hofstra University Exhibit Catalog to her memory, and the Audubon Society instituted an annual sculpture prize (still given today), in her honor. See less