"Der Fechter" [The Fencer] | Fritz Heinemann

FRITZ HEINEMANN
German, 1864-1932

"Der Fechter" [The Fencer] (1903)

Patinated and parcel gilt bronze | signed in cast "Fritz Heinemann" and inscribed "Akt Ges Gladenbek Berlin" | raised over original black and white marble plinth | cast circa 1915

Item # 310IXP02A 

A very fine example of a nude warrior after achieving victory in battle titled "Der Fechter" or "The Fencer", it is a reduction of the monumental marble statue placed in the Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, Germany.

The sculpture is discussed contemporarily in 1903 in Public Opinion, vol. 35 when summarizing the selections that Illustrirte Zeitung chose to highlight from the most recent exhibition in Berlin. Under the header of "Three Important Works of Art: Illustrating the height of attainment reached in three departments of the recent Berlin exhibition", the editors note this model "Der Fechter" by Fritz Heinemann as the second of three works selected. They write:

"The sculptor Fritz Heinemann, having felt his way through various forms of his art from portrait busts to monumental equestrian statues, has halted at the golden middle way equally distant from the path to eccentricity and the path to popularity. He belongs to the inner circle of the Berlin art world, in which he holds a secure place by reason of fifteen years of successful work. His latest production, "The Fencer", merits recognition on other gounds than the Kaiser's purchase of it; it is a spended incarnation of young manhood at the zenith of beauty and health."

An exquisitely cast model by the renowned Belin foundry of Gladenbeck circa 1915, the present model shows an incredible attention to detail in every element. The very fine chiseling and chasing of details and the flawless skin qualities throughout are notable - the sword itself is a very finely cast object with fine raised ridges along the blade and a complex hilt.

The entire model is raised over an early white and black marble stepped plinth.

Artist Listings & Bibliography:

• E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. VI, Gründ, 2006, p. 1334
• Public Opinion, vol. 35, Thursday, 8 October, 1903
• Westermann's Jahrbuch der illustrirten deutschen Monatshefte, Volume 111, 1911-1912

Measurements: 18 3/8" [total height]; 6" W x 6" D [base]; 12 5/8" H x 4 1/2" diameter [bronze only]

Condition Report:
Minor patina wear to shoulder blades, tiny scuffs to buttocks and other minor scuffs here and there including one scuff to top of foot; bronze cleaned and sealed in conservator's wax; marble plinth with chipping. Sword is cast separately and can be removed from the hilt.