Hagenauer Art Deco Horse and Jockey Sculpture, Signed Vienna

Hagenauer Art Deco Horse and Jockey Sculpture
Speed, balance, and bold simplicity define this striking Hagenauer horse and jockey sculpture. The racehorse stretches into a full gallop as its rider crouches low over the neck, their forms united in a sweeping horizontal composition. Elongated legs and carefully shaped openings give the metalwork a sense of lightness, capturing the energy of racing through an elegantly reduced silhouette.

The jockey’s curved back contrasts with the angular bend of his knee, while fine incised lines suggest clothing and details of the horse’s head. These restrained accents preserve the clarity of the outline, allowing the sculpture’s flowing contours to carry the movement. Warm bronze tones and silvery highlights enliven the aged metal surface. Stamped on the flat side where you rest the books. "WHW" Made in Austria.

A pale rectangular stone base provides a quiet contrast to the darker sculpture. Supported toward one end, the horse’s extended hindquarters project beyond the base, heightening the impression of a figure suspended in motion. At 15 inches wide, the piece has a distinctive presence while remaining well suited to a console, mantel, or desk.

Founded by Carl Hagenauer in 1898, the firm became celebrated for decorative metalwork that combined craftsmanship with wit and modern design. His son Karl studied under Josef Hoffmann and earned silver and bronze medals at the 1925 Paris Exposition. Taking the leading role in the family workshop in 1928, Karl helped develop its distinctive vocabulary of playful figures, stylized animals, and useful decorative objects, directing the business until his death in 1956.

Bearing Hagenauer marks, this horse and jockey reflects the workshop’s talent for turning a familiar subject into an expressive modern form. It offers particular appeal to collectors of Austrian Art Deco, decorative metalwork, and equestrian sculpture.