Wood (walnut). Unique object. 45 x 26 x 27 cm.
[AR].
- Early figurative piece made of walnut wood with gentle curves and flowing shapes. - Works from this period are pivotal in the artist's development towards his biomorphic style. - The “Weibliche Büste” already shows the openings, curves, and increasing abstraction of the human body that are characteristic of his early work. - Exhibited at 'Kunstkabinett Hanna Bekker vom Rath' the year it was created. - In private ownership for over 30 years, acquired directly from the artist. - A 5-meter-high wooden sculpture was shown at documenta III in Kassel in 1964.
We are grateful to Mr Jakob Steinbrenner, Munich, for his kind support in cataloging this lot.
LITERATURE: Claire Hellweg, Hans Steinbrenner. Die Entwicklung der Formensprache im plastischen Werk, PhD theory, Frankfurt a. Main, 1990/91, catalogue raisonné no. 86 (illustrated).

Karl Otto Götz - Emil Schumacher - Hans Steinbrenner - Marcel Polak, Frankfurter Kunstkabinett Hanna Bekker vom Rath, Frankfurt am Main, May 1956. Hans Steinbrenner. Skulpturen 1948-1960, Sinclair-Haus, Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, October 23-December 16, 1990, cat. no. 53 (illustrated on p. 69)

Private collection, East Germany (since 1994, directly from the artist)

In good condition. With some age-related cracks and minor scuffs, dents, and adhesions. However, the surface irregularities and discoloration are largely owed to the manufacturing process or the quality of the material and are therefore part of the work. There are small holes or indentations in the center of the wooden block, but these are also likely due to the wood core and are therefore also part of the work and not later damage.