Description
Foundry Mark H Gladenbeck and Sohn, Freidrichshagen
From our Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer The Abduction of Europa German Bronze by Hermann Haase. The German bronze stood upon a large oval plinth with stylish Eagles and Owls to each corner tapering to the figure mounted above. The main subject relays the story of Europa being kidnapped by Zeus upon a long horned bull. Europa sits upon the bulls back nude leaning forward as the long horned bull peers across to the left. The bronze signed HHaase for prolific German sculptor Hermann Otto Haase-Ilsenburg alongside a circular foundry mark for H Gladenbeck and Sohn, Freidrichshagen. The bronze dates to the late Art Nouveau period circa 1910.
Hermann Otto Haase-Ilsenburg (German, 1879-1960) was a German sculptor known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the field of sculpture. Born in Germany, Haase displayed artistic abilities from a young age and pursued formal training in sculpture at various renowned art academies. Haase’s artistic style was primarily influenced by the neoclassical and naturalistic movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to capture human forms with great precision and detail, infusing his sculptures with a sense of grace and vitality.
Throughout his career, Haase created a diverse range of sculptures, including portrait busts, figurative works, and monumental pieces. He often drew inspiration from historical figures, mythological themes, and everyday life, translating them into three-dimensional sculptures that conveyed a sense of emotion and narrative. Haase’s sculptures were characterised by their technical mastery and attention to anatomical accuracy. He was skilled in capturing the subtleties of facial expressions, gestures, and drapery, bringing his subjects to life in a realistic and captivating manner.
H Gladenbeck and Sohn was arguably the most important German foundry of the time. Opened in Berlin in 1851, it cast many of the very best sculptures in bronze, but eventually closed in 1926.
The Abduction of Europa Europa was the daughter of Agenor, a Phoenician king and later became a wife of Zeus, the King of Gods.
According to the legend, Europa was the epitome of feminine beauty on Earth. Zeus once saw her on the seashore of Phoenicia (modern Lebanon and Syria) playing with her friends. He was so captivated by her beauty that he fell in love with her and developed a strong desire to possess her. Immediately, he took the form of a white bull and approached her. The bull looked wonderful with its snow-white body and gem-like horns. Europa looked at the extraordinary animal curiously and dared to touch him because he appeared so calm. Later, she was somehow motivated to climb on his back.
Immediately upon seating on the bulls back Zeus ran to the sea and carried her all the way from Phoenicia to the island of Crete. There he regained his human form and mated with her under an evergreen tree. This was the abduction of Europa, who later gave birth to three sons Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon. These men were known for their fairness and became the three judges of the Underworld, when they died.
Zeus loved Europa so much that he showered her with three priceless gifts. The first one was a bronze man, Talos, who served as a guard to her. He was the bronze giant that the Argonauts met and killed in their attempt to shore on Crete. The second was a dog, Laelaps, which could hunt anything she wanted. The last one was a javelin that had the power to hit the target, whatever it was.
Measurements 59.5cm high x 38cm Wide x 20cm Deep (23.43 x 14.96 x 7.87 Inches)
Condition Excellent antique condition
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