Model Autumn Figurine by Michael Powolny for Wiener Keramik, 1907

Ceramic Putto with grapes “Autumn”, design Michael Powolny, execution Wiener Keramik, ca. 1907, ceramics colorfuly glazed, marked Michael Powolny is one of the best-known ceramic artists of the Viennese Art Nouveau and popular among Jugendstil collectors mainly for his imaginative and decorative putti. Furthermore, his contribution at the Palais Stoclet shows his capability to design large sculptural works as well. Powolny revisited the theme of the Four Seasons multiple times. He crafted the popular putti in various sizes, either fully sculpted or varied the theme in relief depictions on vases or tiles. This putto is an allegory of Autumn. The childlike figure is shown enthusiastically carrying a garland of grapes, decoratively reaching down to the base of the figure. The bright blue grapes create a captivating contrast to the otherwise rather pale little putto. The balanced composition and the attention to detail make this piece yet another witness of Powolny’s mastery of ceramics. This autumn putto was also used as a decorative element right at the entrance of the famous cabaret “Fledermaus” in Vienna, as can be seen on an original photograph of 1907. pressmarks “WK” for Wiener Keramik, artist’s monogram “MP” for Michael Powolny bib.: Catalogue raisonné by Elisabeth Frottier, “Michael Powolny. Keramik und Glas aus Wien“ (Michael Powolny, Viennese ceramics and glass), Böhlau, Vienna-Cologne 1990, illustration 24, cat.no. 28