What defines early 20th-century Art Deco bronze sculpture?

Art Deco bronze sculpture, popular during the 1920s and 1930s, is characterised by streamlined forms, stylized geometric drapery, and dynamic movement reflecting modernism and classical poise.

What materials and techniques were used in cold painted bronzes?

Cold painted bronzes feature enamel paint or lacquer applied directly to cast bronze without firing, often set on natural marble or onyx plinths to enhance textural contrast.

How can one identify authentic Art Deco sculptures by Ferdinand Preiss?

Authentic pieces typically exhibit high-precision casting, signature foundry stamps or maker inscriptions near the base, meticulous cold painting techniques, and heavy marble bases.

How can an Art Deco bronze sculpture be styled in a contemporary interior?

Position the sculpture as a focal point on a mantelpiece, console, or within a glass display cabinet where focused spotlighting highlights its metallic patina and silhouette.

How should a cold painted bronze figure be cleaned and preserved?

Dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth or dry paintbrush, avoiding chemical cleaners, solvent solvents, or excessive moisture that can damage the delicate cold paint layer.

for sale €19,305 $20,955

£16,500

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1920s Bronze Statue

1930s Art Deco Bronze

Id #SA1232209

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Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

Name: Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1232209
Price: 16500 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Hickmet Fine Arts

Description

A striking Art Deco bronze figure entitled “Spring Awakening” by the celebrated German sculptor Ferdinand Preiss. The elegant female figure stands with arms outstretched and head raised, her silvered body dramatically framed by a flowing robe with a rich metallic blue patination. The stylised pose beautifully conveys a sense of awakening, freedom and vitality, characteristic of the Art Deco period.

Finely modelled and superbly presented, the figure is raised on an impressive shaped Portor marble base and is signed F. Preiss.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 36 cm

Width: 22 cm

Depth: 10 cm

Condition: Excellent original condition

Circa: 1925

Materials: Bronze and marble

Book Reference: Art Deco & Other Figures by Bryan Catley

Page No.: 267

SKU: 9662

ABOUT

Ferdinand Preiss

Ferdinand Preiss was born on 13 February 1882 in Erbach in the Odenwald. From the age of 15, he lived with the family of the renowned artist Philipp Willmann, where he received his early artistic training. In 1901, Preiss travelled to Rome and Paris, where he earned a living as a modeller.

While in Baden-Baden, Preiss befriended Arthur Kassler, who became his lifelong business partner. Together they founded the celebrated company Preiss & Kassler, establishing a workshop in Berlin.

In 1907, Preiss married Margarethe Hilme, a Berliner. Soon afterwards, the couple had a son, Harry, and a daughter, Lucie. During its early years, the company produced small-scale carvings, including statuettes of children and classical subjects inspired by figures from ancient Greece.

From around 1910, the firm began producing its distinctive multi-material sculptures, combining bronze with finely carved elements. The bronze casting was undertaken by the Gladenbeck foundry in Berlin. By the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, the company had grown to employ six highly skilled craftsmen.

Following the end of the war, Preiss and Kassler successfully rebuilt their business and enjoyed considerable success throughout the 1920s. Preiss served as the artistic director, while Kassler concentrated on the commercial side of the company. Their speciality was the production of sophisticated Art Deco cabinet sculptures, frequently combining painted and gilt bronze with finely carved decorative elements and luxurious marble or onyx plinths.

Most of the models were designed by Ferdinand Preiss and produced in limited editions. A substantial proportion of the firm's production was exported to England and the United States, where his distinctive Art Deco figures became highly sought after.

The company Preiss & Kassler continued trading until 1943. Ferdinand Preiss died that year at the age of 61 from a brain tumour. In 1945, shortly before the end of the Second World War, the company's workshop and its stock of models in Ritterstraße, Berlin, were completely destroyed by fire during a bombing raid.

Ferdinand Preiss is regarded as one of the leading sculptors of the Art Deco era. His finely modelled figures in bronze and other precious materials are highly regarded by collectors and remain among the most desirable works associated with the golden age of Art Deco sculpture.

Physical Dimensions

Height

36cm (14.17")

Width

22cm (8.66")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Declaration

Hickmet Fine Arts has dated this Art Deco Bronze Sculpture to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1232209

Dealers Internal Reference

9662

Dealers Notes

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Description

A striking Art Deco bronze figure entitled “Spring Awakening” by the celebrated German sculptor Ferdinand Preiss.

“

The elegant female figure stands with arms outstretched and head raised, her silvered body dramatically framed by a flowing robe with a rich metallic blue patination.

Hickmet Fine Arts

The stylised pose beautifully conveys a sense of awakening, freedom and vitality, characteristic of the Art Deco period.

fig 1. An Art Deco cold-painted bronze sculpture depicting a silver female figure with outstretched arms wearing a teal cape, mounted on a black veined marble pedestal. — fig 1. Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

Finely modelled and superbly presented, the figure is raised on an impressive shaped Portor marble base and is signed F. Preiss.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 36 cm

Width: 22 cm

Depth: 10 cm

Condition: Excellent original condition

fig 2. An Art Deco cold-painted bronze sculpture depicting a silver female figure with outstretched arms wearing a teal cape, mounted on a black veined marble pedestal. — fig 2. Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

Circa: 1925

Materials: Bronze and marble

Book Reference: Art Deco & Other Figures by Bryan Catley

Page No.: 267

SKU: 9662

ABOUT

Ferdinand Preiss

Ferdinand Preiss was born on 13 February 1882 in Erbach in the Odenwald. From the age of 15, he lived with the family of the renowned artist Philipp Willmann, where he received his early artistic training. In 1901, Preiss travelled to Rome and Paris, where he earned a living as a modeller.

fig 3. An Art Deco cold-painted bronze sculpture depicting a silver female figure with outstretched arms wearing a teal cape, mounted on a black veined marble pedestal. — fig 3. Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

While in Baden-Baden, Preiss befriended Arthur Kassler, who became his lifelong business partner. Together they founded the celebrated company Preiss & Kassler, establishing a workshop in Berlin.

In 1907, Preiss married Margarethe Hilme, a Berliner. Soon afterwards, the couple had a son, Harry, and a daughter, Lucie. During its early years, the company produced small-scale carvings, including statuettes of children and classical subjects inspired by figures from ancient Greece.

fig 4. An Art Deco cold-painted bronze sculpture depicting a silver female figure with outstretched arms wearing a teal cape, mounted on a black veined marble pedestal. — fig 4. Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

From around 1910, the firm began producing its distinctive multi-material sculptures, combining bronze with finely carved elements. The bronze casting was undertaken by the Gladenbeck foundry in Berlin. By the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, the company had grown to employ six highly skilled craftsmen.

fig 5. An Art Deco cold-painted bronze sculpture depicting a silver female figure with outstretched arms wearing a teal cape, mounted on a black veined marble pedestal. — fig 5. Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

Following the end of the war, Preiss and Kassler successfully rebuilt their business and enjoyed considerable success throughout the 1920s. Preiss served as the artistic director, while Kassler concentrated on the commercial side of the company. Their speciality was the production of sophisticated Art Deco cabinet sculptures, frequently combining painted and gilt bronze with finely carved decorative elements and luxurious marble or onyx plinths.

fig 6. An Art Deco cold-painted bronze sculpture depicting a silver female figure with outstretched arms wearing a teal cape, mounted on a black veined marble pedestal. — fig 6. Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

Most of the models were designed by Ferdinand Preiss and produced in limited editions. A substantial proportion of the firm's production was exported to England and the United States, where his distinctive Art Deco figures became highly sought after.

fig 7. An Art Deco cold-painted bronze sculpture depicting a silver female figure with outstretched arms wearing a teal cape, mounted on a black veined marble pedestal. — fig 7. Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

The company Preiss & Kassler continued trading until 1943. Ferdinand Preiss died that year at the age of 61 from a brain tumour. In 1945, shortly before the end of the Second World War, the company's workshop and its stock of models in Ritterstraße, Berlin, were completely destroyed by fire during a bombing raid.

fig 8. An Art Deco cold-painted bronze sculpture depicting a silver female figure with outstretched arms wearing a teal cape, mounted on a black veined marble pedestal. — fig 8. Early 20th Century Cold Painted Bronze "Spring Awakening" by Ferdinand Preiss

Ferdinand Preiss is regarded as one of the leading sculptors of the Art Deco era. His finely modelled figures in bronze and other precious materials are highly regarded by collectors and remain among the most desirable works associated with the golden age of Art Deco sculpture.