Bronze with a golden-brown patina, with a slight greenish tinge in places. Signed by the artist on the reverse. With the estate stamp on the underside. One of 12 + 1 copies (including one artist's copy). 19.4 x 40 x 25 cm.
An authorized cast from the artist's estate. [CH].
- Hartung’s “Reclining Figures” are arguably the artist’s best-known works. - The appeal of contrasts: exaggerated, sensual physicality meets an abstract style. - The essence of human nature - Hartung translates the classical motif of the “reclining nude” into his unique modern aesthetics. - The anthropomorphic nudes are among his most sought-after works on the international auction market. - The large version of these Reclining Figures (1951, CR no. 472) has achieved the highest auction results to date for a work by the artist (2022 and 2025). - Two copies of the monumental version are on display at Schloss Gottorf, Schleswig-Holstein State Museums, Schleswig, and in the sculpture park of the Woods Art Institute, Wentorf.
We are grateful to the Karl Hartung Estate for the kind expert advice.
LITERATURE: Markus Krause, Karl Hartung 1908-1967. Metamorphosen von Mensch und Natur. Monograph and Catalogue Raisonné, Munich 1998, CR no. 404 (illustrated in black and white, a different copy, p. 225). - - Katharina Schneider, Die drei Berliner Bildhauer Uhlmann, Hartung und Heiliger. Zur Entwicklung der abstrakten deutschen Plastik zwischen 1945 und 1950, in: Ullrich Schneider (ed.), Festschrift Günther Bott, Nuremberg 1987, pp. 297 and 300ff. (illustrated, different copy).

(probably different copies) Für Karl Hartung (memorial exhibition as part of the 15th German Artists’ Association Exhibition), Badischer Kunstverein, Karlsruhe, 1967, cat. no. 8. 1945-1985: Kunst in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Nationalgalerie Berlin, 1985, cat. no. 113 (illustrated) Karl Hartung 1908-1967. Eine Werkübersicht zum 80. Geburtstag, Galerie Pels-Leusden, Berlin, Sept. 3-Oct. 29, 1988, cat. no. 35. Karl Hartung. Skulpturen und Zeichnungen, Galerie Utermann, Dortmund, 1989. Opening Reception, Galerie Utermann, Dortmund, Oct. 16-Nov. 9, 1991, cat. no. 25 (illustrated) Der Diskurs findet hier statt. 50 Jahre Haus am Waldsee, Haus am Waldsee, Berlin, Oct. 26-Dec. 1, 1996

Private collection, Berlin. Acquired by the current owner from the above

In very good condition. The very beautiful, warm tone of the patina on the buttocks and shoulders shows, due to the technique used, very few faintly visible spots, as well as greenish traces of oxidation in the recesses. There is slight wear in places on the knee and the right forearm. This condition report was compiled in daylight with the aid of a UV light source, and to the best of our knowledge and belief.