Rare Chrome Sculpture – "Man on Horseback" – Vienna Art Deco, c. 1928

Karl Hagenauer Rare Chrome Sculpture – "Man on Horseback" – Vienna Art Deco, c. 1928
Item # 3863
Price (USD)
$ 2,800

Karl Hagenauer Rare Chrome Sculpture – "Man on Horseback" – Vienna Art Deco, c. 1928
This exceptional and rare large-scale sculpture, "Man on Horseback," exemplifies the visionary brilliance of Karl Hagenauer and the refined minimalism of 1930s Vienna Art Deco. Crafted circa 1928, this dynamic work distills power and elegance into a single sweeping gesture—rendered with the sleek chrome-plated finish that became a hallmark of Hagenauer’s mature style.

The sculpture captures a stylized male figure, confidently poised atop a dramatically abstracted horse in motion. With elongated limbs, a simplified profile, and a geometric helmet, the rider evokes both heroic classicism and modernist innovation. The horse, equally stylized, rears in a bold gesture of energy and movement, its contours echoing the curves and visual rhythm of the figure above.

Formed in brass and finished in mirror-bright chrome, this piece reflects Hagenauer’s fascination with materiality and light. The mirrored surface emphasizes its fluid, uninterrupted lines, turning the entire sculpture into a study in motion, tension, and harmony.

Karl Hagenauer, who studied under Josef Hoffmann and assumed leadership of the Hagenauer Werkstätte in 1928, became internationally renowned for his uniquely modern vision, blending playfulness, abstraction, and precision. His contributions to the 1925 Paris Exposition brought widespread acclaim, establishing the Hagenauer name among the leading figures of the Art Deco movement.

"Man on Horseback" is a rare and commanding sculpture that speaks to the sculptor’s mastery and the progressive spirit of 20th-century Viennese design. With its dramatic silhouette and iconic chrome finish, this piece is a museum-worthy embodiment of the Art Deco era’s streamlined elegance and artistic innovation.

This sculpture is just one example from our extensive inventory of original Hagenauer sculptures, many of which are featured exclusively on our website. From stylized animals and dynamic figures to rare chrome works and large-scale decorative pieces, our curated selection represents one of the most comprehensive collections of Hagenauer art available. Each piece reflects the bold innovation and exceptional craftsmanship that made the Hagenauer Werkstätte a cornerstone of 20th-century Austrian design. Collectors and enthusiasts are invited to explore the full range of works available—each one part of the enduring legacy of Karl and Franz Hagenauer.

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