About this lot

Description

§ Rudolf Belling, (German, 1886-1972), Cubist Composition, bronze, signed in the bronze and dated 1950, Noack, Berlin foundry stamp 50cm (20in)
Other Notes: One of the most eminent German sculptors of classical modernism and a pioneer of sculptural abstraction, Rudolf Belling originally started out as a stage and costume designer. He produced sculptures and props for the theatre and films, notably receiving commissions from Max Reinhardt (1873-1943). A prolific and eclectic artist, Belling did not limit his work to sculpture alone, working also as scenographer, designer and architectural sculptor. Belling was much influenced by Expressionism, particularly by the painter and architect Hans Poelzig (1869-1936), however, he had the talent to move between styles. His artistic development was shaped by a variety of styles including futurism, constructivism, abstraction and naturalism. In 1919, he produced the first non-figurative abstract sculpture in the German-speaking world - 'Dreiklang' (Triad) - an iconic and pioneering example of abstract sculpture in Germany. Against the predominant theories of his time, put forward by the German sculptor Adolf von Hildebrand (1847-1921), Belling conceived his sculptures in space, adopting the so-called 'Belling System'. The present sculpture, which can be viewed from different perspectives, is an example of this then revolutionary approach to sculpture, as it encourages the observer to circle around it. One of the founding members of the artists' association, 'Novembergruppe', in Berlin, his political views did not conform with the Nazi ideology. Shortly after being elected a member of the Prussian Academy of Arts in 1931, he was forced to resign and he was banned from working in Germany, with his works being labelled as 'degenerate'. Unable to stay in his home country, Belling emigrated to Istanbul, where he lived for thirty years before being allowed to return to Germany at the age of 80. In the year before he died, Belling created the bronze sculpture, 'Blütenmotiv als Friedenssymbol' (Flower Motif as a Peace Symbol), which became the international landmark of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

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