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Paul Leibküchler, Sisyphus, German Jugenstil Bronze Sculpture, circa 1900

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$11,500
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£8,671.05
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€9,992.18
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CA$15,953.61
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A$17,875.93
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CHF 9,305.10
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MX$218,684.55
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NOK 118,111.07
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SEK 111,554.49
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DKK 74,593.65
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About the Item

This extremely impressive depiction of Sisyphus, the figure from Greek mythology in darkly patinated bronze as an athletic male figure with energetic facial expression, wearing only a loincloth, stiffening a boulder over his right shoulder, on round, geometrically decorated plinth. In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was the king of Ephyra (now known as Corinth). He was punished for his self-aggrandizing craftiness and deceitfulness by being forced to roll an immense boulder up a hill only for it to roll down when they near the top, repeating this action for eternity. Through the classical influence on modern culture, tasks that are both laborious and futile are, therefore, described as Sisyphean labour. Signed by the artist on the plinth: “Leibküchler fec.” (for Paul Leibkuchler) and the foundry signet: “Aktiengesellschaft Gladenbeck Berlin D4397 Germany”. Paul Leibküchler was a German sculptor and medalist (1873 - 1938), trained at the Berlin Art Academy. Aktien-Gesellschaft Gladenbeck was a foundry in Berlin, Germany which operated between 1851 and 1926. Gladenbeck was known for producing bronze castings of highest quality. Hermann Gladenbeck (1827-1918) opened a foundry in Berlin, Germany, in 1851. He took over the city's Royal Foundry in 1857. The foundry moved to nearby Friedrichshagen in 1887 and became Aktien-Gesellschaft in 1888. The words "Aktien-Ges. Vorm. H. Gladenbeck & Sohn" translate as "Aktien Company, formerly H. Gladenbeck & Son." The company made monumental statues as well as smaller figures in bronze. It closed in 1926.
  • Creator:
    Paul Leibküchler (Sculptor)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Diameter: 11 in (27.94 cm)
  • Style:
    Jugendstil (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Patinated
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1900-1909
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. We make our best effort to provide a fair and descriptive condition report. Please examine the photos attentively, as they are an integral part of the item description.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2819310043651

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