Items Similar to Bronze Glazed Stoneware Bust 'Mathilda' Probably Sweden, circa 1940s
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
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:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- 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
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2013
1stDibs seller since 2017
150 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 6 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Melbourne, Australia
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllWhite Rustic Glazed Bandini Art Deco Fauns circa 1938 for Zaccagnini
By Mario Bandini, Urbano Zaccagnini
Located in Melbourne, AU
A pair of cherubic fauns, playing music. One sports a cupid's bow in one hand and blows a conch Horn. A quiver of cupid's arrows lies at his feet. The second faun accompanies on a ba...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Models and Miniatures
Materials
Terracotta
$1,080 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Brutalist Tribal Folk Wrought Iron Horse Figure 1950s Head Bowed
Located in Melbourne, AU
A delightful tribal brutalist sculpture of a horse, showing exceptional character and decorative appeal. This is the second of two separate listings of this figure type.
The origin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Brutalist Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Very Large Saggar Fired Burnished Clay Vessel, 1980s, Jill Symes
Located in Melbourne, AU
A very large and appealing Saggar fired vessel, made by Australian potter, Jill Symes. Signed, with original stickers and leaflet. This beautiful pot has ...
Category
Vintage 1980s Australian Organic Modern Urns
Materials
Clay
$382 Sale Price
68% Off
Brutalist Tribal Folk Wrought Iron Horse Figure 1950s
Located in Melbourne, AU
A delightful tribal brutalist sculpture of a horse, showing exceptional character and decorative appeal.
The origin of these figures is disputed. There are arguments made for this ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Brutalist Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Daum Clear Crystal Lamp with Original Chocolate and Blue Shade, France, 1950s
By Daum
Located in Melbourne, AU
A wonderful Daum crystal lamp on a contrasting crystal base with original sculptural shade. The base is a very dark blue to black crystal. The shade ...
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Crystal
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
Made in France Spaghetti Poodle Maroon with Yellow Collar 1950s 1960s
By Vallauris AM
Located in Melbourne, AU
A French 'spaghetti' poodle, stamped 'Made in France' in unusual maroon with a yellow collar. Attributed to a Vallauris pottery.
A very appealing fellow. His upright posture and att...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
You May Also Like
French Women Bust Sculpture "Marianne" Godess of Liberty in Solid Wood, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage French bust sculpture of a woman Marianne has been the national personification of the French Republic since the French Revolution, as a personification of liberty, equality, fraternity and reason, and a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Busts
Materials
Wood
$1,385 Sale Price
58% Off
Bronze Bust. French work. Circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual bust is made of bronze. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Category
Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Bronze Patine Plaque Portrait Patrie
Located in Sofia, BG
Medallion in bronze Patrie.
The relief portrait has beautiful slightly brown patina.
France, circa 1905
Category
Early 20th Century French Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Bronze
Large, Decorative Bronze Sculpture of a Spartan Warrior with Sword, Greco Roman
By Victor Heinrich Seifert
Located in Berlin, DE
Large and decorative bronze sculpture of a Spartan warrior.
By Professor Victor Heinrich Seifert. Signed.
Excellent masterpiece. On marble base.
Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$7,801 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Bronze glazed ceramic bear statue, Spain 1940s
By Santa Monica
Located in ECHT, NL
Statue of two bears playing. It is made from ceramic with a copper colored glazing. Made in the 1960s in Spain by Santa Monica pottery. Marked underneath but...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Art Deco Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Stoneware dragon sculpture by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning, unique dragon sculpture by Wilhelm Kåge, made from stoneware with beautiful green glaze. Rare, large size. Very expressive and lively design, inspired by Chinese Ming era d...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Black Bust
Swedish Sale
1940s Country Style Furniture
Vintage Head Bust
Stoneware Metalic
Black Woman Bust
Mid Century Modern Swedish Figure
Bronze Rubbing
Swedish Bronze Sculpture
Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture Of A Woman
Bronze Arrow Sculpture
Swedish Cat
19th Century Life Size Bronze Sculpture
Bronze Sitting Figure Sculpture
Life Sized Classical Sculpture
Opera Plates
Vintage Hollywood Necklace
Western Stoneware