Anton Prinner, Bronze “shaman” Andirons, C. 1940

Pair of andirons, the head with a so-called shaman decoration in bas-relief in bronze with black patina, monogrammed, the easel in wrought iron. The black patina edition of this model, also made with other patinas, is the most beautiful.
Hungarian artist (1902-1983), Anton Prinner settled in Paris in 1928. A painter, he learned the techniques of engraving in the workshop of Stanley William Hayter, and created the technique of papyrogravure. He also made sculptures, some monumental, in stone, wood, bronze, plaster. Coming to Vallauris to the Tapis vert workshop, from 1950, he made various ceramic pieces. His works are part of the abstract constructivist movement and then evolve towards figurative art from the end of the 1930s. They reflect a spiritual quest marked by esotericism for an artist who practices occultism and are inspired for some by Egyptian art.
Here, the stylistic representation of the shaman, intercessor between man and spirits, is in the wake of that of the "wild man" of the Gothic andirons, intercessor between man and nature, his club transformed into a jester's marotte - thus also summoning the figure of the jester.
Very good condition - one easel narrower and shorter than the other, original.