Lot 124

Ladislav Šaloun (1870 - 1946) A SATYR

Šaloun was a key figure in Czech Art Nouveau symbolism. His Satyr depicts a half-human, half-supernatural beast. Sculptures from this period are remarkably organic and often present scenes from mythology. The satyr is the embodiment of passion, natural strength and secret desires. The figure is twisting around on its axis, his undulating curves forming a contrast between light and shadow and freeing itself from the usual lines. A drawing and a patinated plaster study are also included. Most Ladislav Šaloun’s works can be found in Prague, the city where he lived and worked, including the Jan Huss monument on Old Town Square. Amongst the large-scale works in his broad oeuvre are also small interior sculptures like this Satyr. Šaloun studied sculpture under Bohuslav Schnirch at the Academy of Arts in Prague. He became a member of the Mánes Union of Fine Artists and Union of Fine Artists. Publ.: Decadence: In Morbid Colours, Otto M. Urban, Luboš Merhaut, Daniel Vojtěch, 2006, cat. 194.