Otto Prutscher (1880 - 1949) and Michael Powolny (1871- 1854)

executed by Michael Powolny for the Wienerberger Keramikwerkstätten, stoneware, ochre coloured body holding a dish in her outstretched arms standing above a three-tiered cascade of basins with fluted decoration, all raised on octagonal base

Michael Powolny, by repute
Austrian private collection
Current vendor

Karl Maria Grimme, Gärten von Albert Esch, Wien, Leipzig 1931, p. 29 (a contemporary photograph of the present lot in situ, see image)
Elisabeth Frottier, Michael Powolny. Keramik und Glas aus Wien. 1900 bis 1950. Monografie und Werkverzeichnis, Wien, Köln, 1990, no. 237 (listed and illustrated in the catalogue raisonné)
Walthraud Neuwirth, Österreichische Keramik des Jugendstils, Wien, 1974, p. 290

An important fountain. The colour match to the image is very good; the colour of the figure on the top is most like the detail illustration on page 51. The piece has numerous old chips and marks, firing cracks, these are consistent with material, age and use. The octagonal base section has large areas of restoration across three of the octagonal elements, which are not visible in the catalogue illustration. The largest urn with restoration to underside of flared rim, approximately 10cm. wide. One area of new plastering between largest element and middle section. Some hard water stains and rings, consistent with use. Waterworks not tested. An impressive piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Architect and designer Otto Prutscher was an important figure in the design history of the 20th century. He was active in many fields and designed objects such as ceramics, glass, jewellery and textiles. He started his education as a cabinetmaker in his father's firm, followed by studies in painting and architecture at the Wiener Kunstgewerbeschule where he was taught by Josef Hoffmann.

Michael Powolny is known as the founder of modern ceramics in Austria and his depictions of putti for the Wiener Werkstätte are his most celebrated designs.

Founded in 1819, the 'Wienerberger Ziegelfabriks- und Baugesellschaft' was one of the earliest and most prominent members of the 'Österreichische Werkbund', founded in 1913. The association's ethos was the close collaboration between artists, artisans and industry to produce good quality decorative art, which should be affordable to a wide group of buyers.

Prutscher and Powolny started at around the same time to design for the Wienerberger Keramikwerkstätten in 1913 and continued until around 1925. From the beginning Prutscher and Powolny worked closely together on fountains, fireplaces and stoves which were all produced in small numbers and in many cases it is unclear to whom to attribute the design. In the case of the present lot the design of the monumental form and the architectural size is attributed to Prutscher and the design of the female figure is traceable to Powolny's designs.

The present lot is listed in the catalogue raisonné on Powolny by E. Frottier, op.cit. as no. 237 and is the only example of this model known to exist. More typically Prutscher and Powolny designed wall fountains for the firm, on a much smaller scale than the current lot.

Another example of a large scale work designed by Powolny were the figures produced for the Wiener Dianabad at around the same time, one of these was sold in these rooms The Pursuit of Style: John Jesse at Kensington Church Street, 22 February 2006, lot 96

This information regarding this lot is taken from a report by Dr Ulrike Emberger, Bundesdenkmalamt, Wien.