Lot number 3482 - Auction 141
'DER SKILANGLÄUFER'

MAX ESSER 1885 Barth - 1945 Berlin 'THE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIER' Berlin, around 1930 Bronze, dark patinated, on a rectangular wooden base (H. 6 cm). H. 28, W. 36.5, D. 7 cm, weight approx. 3.64 kg. Signed 'M. Esser' on the side of the plinth. This rare bronze of a cross-country skier, created by the renowned Berlin sculptor Max Esser, is a rediscovered, rare sculpture based on a design from the 1930s. Max Esser (1885-1945) was an important German sculptor and animal sculptor who worked at the beginning of the 20th century. Born in Barth, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Esser studied under August Gaul at the Art Academy in Berlin. Known for his masterful Meissen porcelain models, as well as his depictions of animals, he created a large number of sculptures that impress with their lively expressiveness and anatomical precision. The artist was known during the National Socialist era for his works, which often reflected the ideals of the regime and were promoted by the state authorities at that time. Esser's works have been shown at numerous exhibitions and are now represented in many renowned museums and collections. The sculpture, largely unknown on the art market, was spotted in an original photograph from Max Esser's studio: The "Cross-Country Skier". Another photo glass negative shows the design under the name 'Runner on a Base'. Full-sculpture depiction of a runner on cross-country skis in full motion, holding one pole in the snow and the other in the air. Partial loss of patina, slightly damaged, tip and end of ski missing, wooden base slightly damaged. Literature: Design shown on an original photograph by Max Esser in his studio and photo glass negative 'Runner on a base'. Provenance: Private collection Baden-Württemberg.