Large Bronze Reichsadler Sculpture- Josef Pallenberg (1882-1946) # 3417
Years ago there was a book called " Hitler and the Power of Aesthetics ". The book is in my case but I do not think I ever took the time to read it. I had assumed at the time that it would be exactly what I had thought of when I read the title, but realized what a disappointment it could be if it were not and I shelved it. Truth is the Third Reich is all aesthetic, to this day the market performs aesthetically and pieces for the most part are driven by their appearance. Its actually more than that as it is the reason that most collectors collect and looking at the era from a historical view and in particular a political view, its literally that book you cannot put down. Art, architecture, sculpture, porcelain, banners, uniforms, even men marching with shovels. I tire of it on occasion but always find myself back here typing something up, but the third Reich has to be one of the most fascinating eras in modern history or even in history in its entire, and the power that emanates from that aesthetic is impossible to ignore.
The groundbreaking of the Haus der Kunst in 1933 would lead to not only the museum itself but a decade long celebration of art that to this day gives heartburn to the current German state who do everything in their power to hide and prohibit its display. What has survived lays in the basements and corners, and nooks of buildings long forgotten or museums covered in tarp. Many of the most prevalent pieces of political nature were seized by the allies and are stored here in the U.S last I looked. The abundance of propaganda pieces being what they are allowed for a higher survival rate and with the appetite for war booty by U.S servicemen being what it was allowed for its survival. Much of the art survived as well, but not political art or sculpture, that is quite frankly not out there in market.
In the 1970's Third Reich material was still out there and traded discreetly as the victims of the Reich were out there as well. Today, the market has matured and most original examples have been absorbed into collections and finding nice original pieces is not an easy endeavor. I do remember seeing those Rad men marching with shovels though and I thought at the time what a powerful visual that was, I thought that was fantastic and still marvel at some of it.
For consideration is an example of art, aesthetic and of political nature from the period measuring approx. 18 inches wide and 16 inches high and most likely cast between 1933 and 1939. This is a signed piece and is foundry marked, but I am at a loss for the foundry although I have seen the mark before. It is perched on its original base and was most likely a commissioned piece, for whom I do not know. This is a large bird and currently resides in my living room. It should be considered an opportunity for someone who appreciates both art and history and wishes to own an example of this level.
Designed by Josef Pallenberg a known artist of the period who mainly worked animal figures and early on worked for the Cologne zoo. Pallenberg was educated at the Dusseldorf Art Academy, he was a pre-war artist and had many of his works displayed at the Great German Art Exhibitions. Having moved on to the Berlin Zoological Gardens Pallenberg worked with live animals and sculpted 100's of pieces. In wartime his studio was damaged by aerial bomb destroying a multitude of sculpture and clay and surviving pieces were moved to the Lobbecke museum, not an uncommon biography for these German artists and this work is likely commissioned. Today his works are openly traded in market and information can be had, but not so much in the way of political pieces other than this one. I have included a couple pics of his sketches where you can see the styling in his own hand. An interesting note is that upon his death in 1946 his studio was taken over by none other than Arno Breker.
Years ago there was a book called " Hitler and the Power of Aesthetics ". The book is in my case but I do not think I ever took the time to read it. I had assumed at the time that it would be exactly what I had thought of when I read the title, but realized what a disappointment it could be if it were not and I shelved it. Truth is the Third Reich is all aesthetic, to this day the market performs aesthetically and pieces for the most part are driven by their appearance. Its actually more than that as it is the reason that most collectors collect and looking at the era from a historical view and in particular a political view, its literally that book you cannot put down. Art, architecture, sculpture, porcelain, banners, uniforms, even men marching with shovels. I tire of it on occasion but always find myself back here typing something up, but the third Reich has to be one of the most fascinating eras in modern history or even in history in its entire, and the power that emanates from that aesthetic is impossible to ignore.
The groundbreaking of the Haus der Kunst in 1933 would lead to not only the museum itself but a decade long celebration of art that to this day gives heartburn to the current German state who do everything in their power to hide and prohibit its display. What has survived lays in the basements and corners, and nooks of buildings long forgotten or museums covered in tarp. Many of the most prevalent pieces of political nature were seized by the allies and are stored here in the U.S last I looked. The abundance of propaganda pieces being what they are allowed for a higher survival rate and with the appetite for war booty by U.S servicemen being what it was allowed for its survival. Much of the art survived as well, but not political art or sculpture, that is quite frankly not out there in market.
In the 1970's Third Reich material was still out there and traded discreetly as the victims of the Reich were out there as well. Today, the market has matured and most original examples have been absorbed into collections and finding nice original pieces is not an easy endeavor. I do remember seeing those Rad men marching with shovels though and I thought at the time what a powerful visual that was, I thought that was fantastic and still marvel at some of it.
For consideration is an example of art, aesthetic and of political nature from the period measuring approx. 18 inches wide and 16 inches high and most likely cast between 1933 and 1939. This is a signed piece and is foundry marked, but I am at a loss for the foundry although I have seen the mark before. It is perched on its original base and was most likely a commissioned piece, for whom I do not know. This is a large bird and currently resides in my living room. It should be considered an opportunity for someone who appreciates both art and history and wishes to own an example of this level.
Designed by Josef Pallenberg a known artist of the period who mainly worked animal figures and early on worked for the Cologne zoo. Pallenberg was educated at the Dusseldorf Art Academy, he was a pre-war artist and had many of his works displayed at the Great German Art Exhibitions. Having moved on to the Berlin Zoological Gardens Pallenberg worked with live animals and sculpted 100's of pieces. In wartime his studio was damaged by aerial bomb destroying a multitude of sculpture and clay and surviving pieces were moved to the Lobbecke museum, not an uncommon biography for these German artists and this work is likely commissioned. Today his works are openly traded in market and information can be had, but not so much in the way of political pieces other than this one. I have included a couple pics of his sketches where you can see the styling in his own hand. An interesting note is that upon his death in 1946 his studio was taken over by none other than Arno Breker.