Der Steinstoßer (The Shot-Putter) by William Wauer, estimate €5000 at Lehr.
Image: Stefan Schiske für Lehr Kunstauktionen
After studying in Dresden, Berlin and Leipzig, he initially worked as an art critic for the periodical XX Jahrhundert (The 20th Century), before turning his hand to publishing, illustrating and advertising.
He subsequently worked as a theatre and film director. At some time he began to devote himself to creating sculptures that combined elements of Expressionism, Cubism and Futurism. From 1918 onwards, he regularly exhibited at the legendary Berlin gallery Der Sturm (The Storm), run by the dynamic publisher and art patron Herwarth Walden.
A typical example of Wauer’s work is coming up for sale at Lehr in Berlin on April 29. Der Steinstoßer (The Shot-Putter) is a 14in (36cm) high bronze with a golden-brown patina and expected to bring €5000.
Like all of Wauer’s bronzes, it was cast by the foundry of Wilhelm Füssel in Berlin and is number four of an edition of seven. Herwarth Walden once said that Wauer “created absolute sculpture”; on April 29, we shall see if the bidders in Berlin are equally enthusiastic.
