- 161
Ernst Barlach
Estimate
180,000 - 250,000 USD
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Description
- Ernst Barlach
- Der Singende Mann (The Singing Man)
- Inscribed E. Barlach and stamped with the foundry mark H. Noack Berlin
- Bronze
- Height: 19 1/2 in.
- 49 cm
Provenance
Voemel Gallery, Düsseldorf
Sale: Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, November 19, 1969,
lot 37
Mr. & Mrs. Donald S. Gilmore, Michigan (acquired at the above sale)
Gifted from the above in 1969
Sale: Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, November 19, 1969,
lot 37
Mr. & Mrs. Donald S. Gilmore, Michigan (acquired at the above sale)
Gifted from the above in 1969
Exhibited
Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, German Expressionist Art in Western Michigan Collections, 1979, no. 3
Literature
Friedrich Hewicker & Wolf Stubbe, Ernst Barlach Plastik, Munich, 1959, illustrations of another cast pls. 68-69
Friedrich Schult, Ernst Barlach, Das Plastische Werk, Hamburg, 1959, no. 343, illustration of another cast p. 191
Elisabeth Laur, Ernst Barlach, Das Plastische Werk, Güstrow, 2006, no. 432, illustration of another cast p. 208
Friedrich Schult, Ernst Barlach, Das Plastische Werk, Hamburg, 1959, no. 343, illustration of another cast p. 191
Elisabeth Laur, Ernst Barlach, Das Plastische Werk, Güstrow, 2006, no. 432, illustration of another cast p. 208
Condition
Some plug spots are visible near the left knee, but this is inherent to the artist's casting technique. There are a few nicks around the base, as well as a few spots of accretion. Overall the work is in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Der singende Mann is one of the finest examples of Ernst Barlach's bronze sculptures. Executed with the utmost sensibility for form and content, the artist brilliantly renders the singing posture of the figure. Sitting down in a relaxed pose, the singer seems to be practicing his notes. Barlach saw the human form as a vessel holding the greatest secret, which he sought to uncover. Barlach achieves a unique transparency in the present bronze, in which the limbs are covered, but can occasionally be glimpsed through the severe clothing, thus illuminating the entire figure from within. The singer is filled with powerful expressive emotion, and Barlach brilliantly communicates a liberating sensation to the viewer.