M.S. Rau Figurative Sculptures

Exemplary of Art Nouveau elegance, the sensuous female form is the focus of this Viennese bronze by Austrian sculptor Carl Kauba (1865 - 1922). The intricately detailed bronze captures the supple form of an exotic Nubian dancer in a true representation of the era’s predominant aesthetic. Both classical and evocative, the nude figure is adorned by an array of bronze jewelry, including a stunning golden belt with chained pendants. Set upon a marble base, she is a stunning example of the erotic bronzes popular at the turn of the century. Born in 1865 to a shoemaker, the Vienna-born Kauba became a well-known early 20th-century sculptor of Native Americans and other western figures. A pupil of Carl Waschmann and Stefan Schwartz in Austria, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and traveled widely in the American West, sketching and modeling, after spending two years in Paris. He is also noted for his "Naughties" - a collection of mechanical push button sculptures...

A pair of putti holding symbols of the harvest adorn this Meissen porcelain figural group entitled Fall. Part of the company's Seasons series, these charming characters rest upon a r...

An important homage to love, this large black basalt figure is an impressive example of Wedgwood's artistry and imagination. Cupid, the ancient Roman god of love, is standing amongst billowing clouds with a pair of doves at his feet. Gazing towards earth with one hand shielding his eyes, the other hand holds an arrow. His bow and quiver rest at his side, ready to take aim. "CUPID" is etched into the base. Considered a crowning achievement of Wedgwood, black basalt was created by blending manganese with an iron-oxide rich slurry procured from coal mines called carr. In addition to the impressive color, this combination also provided additional strength and solidity. While it initially proved challenging to fire because of its weight, that same characteristic was advantageous in creating ornaments, lending stability to library...

A poignant work of extraordinary artistry, this bronze figure captures the mythical tale of Europa, the beautiful Phoenician princess who was kidnapped by the king of the Olympian go...

An exceptional and monumental Venetian wood sculpture surmounted by two putti holding a footed tray. The base is decorated with a bas-relief of the view ...

This beautiful Meissen Porcelain figure entitled Summer and Fall is part of the company's beloved Seasons series. The putti rest upon a rocaille-formed base holding representations o...

This charming pair of Meissen porcelain figures celebrates the essence of Revelry. First modeled by the renowned Johann Joachim Kändler on bases by Peter Reinicke, circa 1767, these joyous groups depict musicians making merry by playing the French horn, flute, guitar and hurdy-gurdy, and gardeners carrying flowers in baskets and aprons. Two almost identical groups are featured in Meissen: Collector’s Catalogue by Laurence Mitchell. Figures by Kändler were especially popular and served as table decorations at courtly banquets. He took the reigns of the Meissen factory in 1733 and over the following 40 years created more than 900 models, many of which were considered the most important and beautiful ever produced. Many of his designs were so timeless and classic that they continued to be used well into the 19th century. Kändler was highly regarded especially for his allegorical representations and he was certainly at his best when designing the Four Continents...

Entitled Winter and Spring this Meissen Porcelain figural group features a cloaked putto staying warm by a fire (Winter) and another gathering flowers (Spring). Part of the company's...

This extraordinary and monumental cast-iron sculpture was likely specially commissioned to the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne for an important public or private collection. Designed by celebrated Parisian sculptor Mathurin Moreau, the striking work takes the form of a beautiful young maiden clad in classical robes with an amphora gracefully held aloft in one hand. The work displays a remarkable level of detail considering its iron casting, including a wreath of laurel leaves atop the woman's head and a stunning necklace adorning her neck. Due to its large size and subject matter, the remarkable work would most probably have been exhibited in a public or private fountain, garden, estate or hotel. French cast-iron sculptures such as this one were historically preferred over bronze for outdoor decorations...

There is more to this enchanting Belle Époque figure than meets the eye. Crafted of bronze with cold-press enamel, this figure of a young woman lounging...

This exceptional and monumental antique terracotta sculpture was crafted at Vienna’s renowned Goldscheider manufactory. This enchanting sculpture, model #1225, depicts a charming genre scene of a young boy...