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The Abduction of Europa by Hermann Haase-Ilsenburg
- The mythical tale of Europa is the subject of this compelling early Art Deco bronze
- Kidnapped by Zeus in the form of a bull, Europa is among the most popular figures of Greek mythology
- The graceful, clean lines of the Art Deco style lend a human element to the classical subject
- Crafted by Hermann Haase-Ilsenburg, the stunning bronze brings this popular myth to life
- Get complete item description here
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Developing from the organic, natural forms of the Art Nouveau. . .
Developing from the organic, natural forms of the Art Nouveau style that dominated the preceding decades, Haase-Ilsenburg’s work exemplifies the shift towards the symmetry and simplification of the more streamlined Art Deco. The overall graceful, clean lines of the piece mirror the ideals of the emergent style, while its relative simplicity makes it all the more emotionally compelling. The figures are delicately balanced, with Europa’s slumped figure mirroring the heavy, sloping horns of her steed. Haase-Ilsenburg flawlessly infuses a sense of humanity into his classical subject, all while merging the ancient myth with a new iconography.
Drawn from Greek mythology, the story of Europa is among the most enduring stories of Zeus’ numerous amorous pursuits. The daughter of a Phoenician king, Europa was renowned for her beauty, which eventually inspired the love of the Olympian god. Taking the form of a bull, Zeus kidnapped the young princess and carried her to the island of Crete, where she bore him three sons, including Minos, the future King of Crete. Europa eventually gave her name to the continent of Europe, and even today an image of Europa and the bull graces the Euro coin. Widely interpreted by artists for centuries, this myth comes to life in this exquisite bronze.
Circa 1910
Signed “HHaase” (on base)
23 1/2" high x 17" wide x 8" deep
| Maker: | Haase-Ilsenburg, Hermann |
| Period: | 1816-1918 |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Type: | Sculpture |
| Style: | Art Deco |
| Depth: | 8.0 in. (20.32 cm) |
| Width: | 17.0 in. (43.18 cm) |
| Height: | 23.5 in. (59.69 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
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Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
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Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
