Knud Merrild “Sun Dial” Art Deco Bas Relief Centaur, Signed, 1931

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About the Item

A rare 1931 Art Deco bas relief cast cement panel titled "Sun Dial" by Danish artist Knud Merrild. Deftly executed Art Deco design centers on a proud, prancing centaur with bow representing Sagittarius, the ninth astrological sign of the zodiac. Within the bottom half of the ring encircling the subject is a notched and numbered dial marked “7 - 9 - 11” on the left, and “1 - 3 - 5” on the right. Stylized sun, moon and stars, compass points, and top and bottom borders complete the mythical celestial motif. The centaur likely originally held a gnomon of some sort, the sun dial element that casts a shadow indicating the time. Titled, signed, and dated “6 - 9 - 31” by the artist on the back. A segment of one of the two heavy gauge steel wires embedded in the panel for the purpose of hanging or mounting remains. Shows faint evidence of having spent time exposed to the elements, with subtle color variations and patina spots only serving to enhance its natural character. Knud Merrild (b. 1894-1954), was an underappreciated multi-disciplinary artist and author with a fascinating back story, the details of which make the sculptural Art Deco style of this particular piece stand out as a very uncommon and likely one-off commissioned work produced in support of his abstract modernist painting endeavours. With time spent at an early age attending the Arts & Crafts School in Copenhagen and the Danish Royal Academy of Art, a 1913 viewing of an exhibition of Cubist paintings inspired Merrild’s drive toward surrealism-inflected abstract modernism, the pursuit of to which he would dedicate the remainder of his artistic career. In 1918, Merrild’s outspoken views on modern art led him to strike out on his own and found the Avendt Kunst Society, which promoted a modern fusion of the fine arts and crafts. He immigrated to the United States in 1921, and by 1923 counted among his close friends, collaborators, and subjects of highly personal literary works such creative icons as Henry Miller, D.H. Lawrence, and Man Ray.

Creator:
Knud Merrild (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 21 in (53.34 cm)Depth: 1.63 in (4.15 cm)
Style:
Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cement,Cast
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
1931
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Presents in handsome condition overall. A variety of small nicks/chips, mostly on edges/corners. Structurally sound, w/ minor cosmetic cracks and what appears to be a discreet, professional repair to top left corner. Natural patina adds to character.
Seller Location:
San Francisco, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU955016011791

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