A large and rare ceramic monochromatic putto holding grapes (Autumn from "The Four Seasons") by Austrian designer Michael Powolny for Gmundner Keramische Werkstatte. First designed by Powolny in circa 1907, because of the markings on this particular piece for 'Gmundner' we can ascertain manufacture to have taken place in 1912 or shortly thereafter. Highly coveted, another example of this particular putto can be seen on display in the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) and is housed in a Josef Hoffmann designed cabinet who was a contemporary of Powolny, alongside the summer, winter and spring impressions.
Powolny was born in Judenburg, Austria in 1871 and was trained in the art of pottery from an early age, eventually becoming a professor at the Kunstgewerbeschule, Vienna where he studied. In 1897 he went on to help form the Vienna Secession movement; a group of young artists and architects who helped bring modernism to continental Europe alongside such names as Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser. Powolny founded the Wiener Keramik with Berthold Loffler in 1906, it then became part of Gmundner Keramik six years later. Both Powolny and Loffler also designed pieces for the Wiener Werkstatte.
Condition - The piece presents in very good condition for its age and size, with only a couple of minor areas to note. To the underside of the foot rim there is a very shallow fleabite/flake. To the body of the piece there are some very minor glazing abrasions, largely around the head of the putto. These areas of note are very minor, not noticeable unless very closely inspected, and are all commensurate with age. The piece retains an original retailing label to the underside for The Gmundner Keramische Werkstatte.
Measures - 39cm H x 24cm W