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Bronze Glazed Stoneware Bust 'Mathilda' Probably Sweden, circa 1940s

About the Item

An exquisite and mysterious portrait bust has come into our possession. Her name is Mathilda. The bust has been sculpted from earthenware clay and fired with a Bronze glaze. Given other clues to the date of the work, this suggests it was made amidst materials shortages, post WWII. It is sculpted in a mannered style, with a dramatic, expressively turned head and tender expression. This style was popular in photography in the 1940s, particularly Hollywood portrait photography, and follows the conventions of classical statuary and sculpture. Mathilda arrived wearing a chain mesh necklace of indeterminate age - possibly 1940s-1950s. It is part of this sale. Please see images. Her hairstyle is from the 1940s, probably European. Her name, 'Mathilda', is stamped into the base of the bust. This particular spelling of Mathilda, with an 'h', was a very popular name in Sweden at the start of the 20th century. We are guessing this might be her country of origin. The base is signed, indistinctly. We have included an image of a lead pencil rubbing of the signature because the glossy surface of the glaze makes photography difficult. A further clue is the inclusion of three parallel arrows alongside the signature. These are the symbol of the Social Democracy movement, which was very active in the late 19th century. It had a strong resurgence as the key opposition to fascism in Europe in the 1930s. Social Democracy was largely absorbed into mainstream democratic politics post WWII, with the formation of the welfare state and various social care programmes through the 1950s and 1960s. Thomas Picketty is a strong current day proponent of its principles, with his work on capitalism and inequality. All these clues indicate an accomplished artist, probably Western European and associated with anti-fascism, the artist and or subject were quite possibly Jewish. We date the work as most likely from the late 1940s. It's possible this is a portrait of a minor personality from politics, the performing arts (theatre, film, opera, music), high society, perhaps even a sporting figure. Our research has taken us as far as we can go in terms of time but we have failed to establish either an artist or subject. In any case, Mathilda is quite remarkable. She is life sized and therefore one strongly feels her presence as that of another person in the room. Even our cat responded by sitting near her with her back turned (cat for 'I accept you'). Mathilda was/is very beautiful. She has an aura of strength and reserve mixed with expressive emotion. She has a youthful, resolute, tender presence. Whoever she was, or whoever she represents, she was clearly a young woman of character and integrity.

Dimensions:

Height: 17.92 in (45.5 cm)Width: 11.03 in (28 cm)Depth: 9.85 in (25 cm)

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Earthenware,Metal,Glazed,Plated

Place of Origin:

Sweden

Period:

1940-1949

Date of Manufacture:

1940

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. The bust has had a small repair to the chip in the base. See images. The necklace is in tarnished and worn condition.

Seller Location:

Melbourne, AU

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU2656318299052

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