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Gunnar Havstad "Jomfruen" Pewter Pitcher, 1930, Norway

Price:$200

$1,000List Price

About the Item

We are delighted to present an extraordinary opportunity to own a historical and artistic treasure - the tin wine pitcher "Jomfruen" ("The Virgin"), created by the renowned Norwegian designer Gunnar Havstad in 1930. History and Exclusivity: This masterpiece was born out of the artist's vision and skill in 1930. "Jomfruen" has since been an iconic representation of Havstad's talent and groundbreaking approach to art and utility items. With its unique conical shape, delicate craftsmanship, and historical significance, "Jomfruen" represents a time capsule of artistic development. Timeless Beauty: The tin wine pitcher is designed with a gentle spout and a tapering handle that flows like a wave along the body. This is a beautiful example of neoclassical design language and timeless functionality. This wine pitcher has survived the test of time and will continue to enrich interior spaces for many years to come. Background: Gunnar Havstad was a diverse and talented artistic soul. He was educated at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm, and the Norwegian National Academy of Fine Arts. At the age of 27, he even published the book "Gutten, tiden og djevelen" (The Boy, Time, and the Devil) by Aschehoug forlag. In 1928, he created a bust of the author Gabriel Scott. Tin Craftsmanship: When Havstad faced challenges in making a living as a sculptor or writer, he had to seek alternative sources of income. He decided to try his hand at tinwork and established Havstad Tinn on Blylaget in Nesodden in 1930. There were many advantages to working with tin – he did not need formal training as "tinnhåndverker" (tin craftsman) was not a protected profession. Additionally, the raw material was inexpensive, and there was no need for costly tools. Active Contribution: Havstad quickly became an active member of Oslo's applied arts community and participated in various exhibitions. In the same year of his establishment, he created "The Virgin" – a tall, conical tin wine pitcher with a gracefully designed spout. The tapering handle flowed like a wave from the pitcher's opening down the body. The pitcher became an instant hit among both the artistic community and the wider public. Over time, he developed a series of drink-related pieces, rooted in neoclassical forms and the geometric expressions of functionalism. Legacy: After Havstad's passing in 1973, his son Sveinung Havstad took over the operation of Havstad Tinn. Exhibitions: Havstad's affiliation with the Association of Applied Art (Foreningen Brukskunst) opened many doors. When the association selected items for the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris, products from Havstad were included. This was a significant achievement for the small firm. Havstad also participated in the traveling exhibition "Design in Scandinavia" (1954–1957) and the Autumn Exhibition by the Association of Applied Art (Foreningen Brukskunst) in 1959. Details: Title: Jomfruen (The Virgin) Artist: Gunnar Havstad Material: Tin Year of Production: 1930 Height: 37.48 cm (14.755 in) Width: 11.43 cm (4.5 in) Depth: 10.16 cm (4 in) Signed by the artist Ownership and Legacy: Owning "The Virgin" means possessing a piece of Norwegian art history. This tin wine pitcher is not just a beautiful artwork, but also a testament to artistic innovation during the time of its creation. It will be a highlight in your collection and a source of pride that can be passed down through generations.

Creator:
Gunnar Havstad (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 14.76 in (37.48 cm)Width: 4.51 in (11.43 cm)Depth: 4.01 in (10.16 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Tin,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Norway
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
1930
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Søgne, NO
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9064235810132