Bernhard Hoetger
1874-1949
(Since Lorado Taft introduced me to many of the wonders of Bernard Hoetger ("Modern Tendencies in Sculpture" -- I'll quote what he had to say -- even if I disagree)"Less appealing to our tastes, though appropriately reminiscent of the "land of porcelain," are certain fantasies by a very prolific sculptor of Darmstadt, Bernhard Hoetger. "Avarice" is pictured as a strangely contorted creature, while a very genial grotesque personifies "Light". So we are assured, although a superficial glance would pronounce the figure anything but "light." The pages of Deutsfhe Kgtiif'und Dekoarlion unfold an endless series of work by this happy and seemingly irresponsible artist. Indeed a whole book has been written about him, with illustration of scores of his quaint fancies, many of which seem to be of a distinctly Gothic inspiration. It is hard to realize that this astonishing chameleon of sculpture should have lived for ten years in Paris. He considers himself "greatly beholden to Rodin and Maillol,..one questions whether they would recognize their influence in his art.."
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Masters of the 20th Century