Jozef GARDECKI, FRYDERYK CHOPIN, 1935

Bronze, 23.5 x 10.5 x 15 cm, marble base 5 x 16 x 12 cm
Signed J.GARDECKI 1935
State of preservation: broken index finger of the right hand.
Asking price 15000
Estimate 25000 - 28000
Jozef GARDECKI
1880 Warsaw - 1952 Góra Kalwaria
Sculptor and designer, creating in the spirit of Art Nouveau, publicist. From 1894 - 99, he apprenticed in the tinker's workshop of the Norblin silver and plater factory in Warsaw. In 1901, he began his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow, where he studied under Konstanty Laszczka from 1905. In 1906 he created the famous frieze of the Cracow Old Theater building. In 1907 - 09 he lived in Paris, where he continued his sculpture studies with August Rodin in his studio in Meudon. After returning to Poland, he ran a sculpture and art studio in Warsaw from 1910 to 1926. He made portrait sculptures, allegorical compositions, and also did applied art and designed coins. During the Warsaw Uprising, his entire artistic output was lost in a fire at his studio. Deprived of a livelihood for the next few years until his death, the artist wandered around nursing homes.