This elegant and charming work of 1930s Art Deco design is by Swedish sculptor and ceramist Maggie Wibom (b.1899 - d.1961).
The gentle exaggeration in the stylised curves of this horse, both in the stance and muscles are recognised characteristics of Wibom's technique. This horse figure, in particular, is known to have been designed and created during the year Wibom was guest designer at Gefle Ceramics. The semi-matte and opaque white glaze has been used to highlight the sculpted and flowing curves of the ceramic, adding an extra dimension of personality and character to the sculpture.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild use wear, predominantly in the form of movement marks on the underside of the figure's base and which is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside of the base bears Wibom's stamp and Wiboms initial's 'MW' are inscribed into one hind leg.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5.9" / 15 cm tall (from base to rim) x 8.3" / 21 cm in length. Depth: c. 3.9" / 10cm (across widest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.7 kg / 722 g
NOTES
Figure will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Jonny Margareta (Maggie) Wibom (b.1899 - d.1961) was a Swedish ceramist and sculptor. Wibom studied at the Higher Art Industrial School until 1924 and was employed at Boberg's Fajansfabriek in Gävle in 1925. She designed bowls, dishes and pots often with motives in relief. In 1933-1934 she was a guest designer for Gefle Porslinsfabrik with figures and animals in stoneware. In 1936 she started at St. Eriks Lervarufabriker in Uppsala. In 1938, she started her own workshop, Stockholm's Ceramics in Stockholm, which she ran until 1950.
Her work was often composed in ceramic and she created decor such as glazed ceramic tiles with figurative compositions.
In her lifetime, she exhibited her works in a number of art galleries and museums both in Sweden and internationally. Her public works include ceramic decorations for the People's House in Gävle, a wall fountain at the cinema Aveny in Stockholm, and ceramic reliefs and wall tiles for Staffan's church in Gävle.
Other examples of Wibom's work is represented in multiple museums in Sweden such as the National Museum of Stockholm, Gävleborg County Museum, Uppland Museum as well as abroad in Trondheim Museum, Norway and Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.