Ernest Wijnants (Belgian, 1878-1964), Monumental Wood Figure of Orpheus

circa 1930s, carved wood, assembled in multiple sections, iron strap joinery, monogram signature incised to interior section of left arm, with engraved artist plaque to obverse base.
Approximately 100 x 38 x 62 in.
Ernest Wijnants established himself as a prominent Belgian figural sculptor during the first half of the 20th century. His formal training began at the Mechelen Academy of Fine Art and later in the Brussels Academy where he studied under Charles Van der Stappen. Working in bronze, wood, and plaster, Wijnant's sculptures were influenced by Classical Greek sculpture and themes, European Gothic figural sculpture, Egyptian and African statuary, and the modernist figural aesthetic of the Art Deco movement. Wijnants exhibited his large bronze titled Echo at the 1913 World's Fair in Ghent. His acclaim lead to teaching positions in Antwerp, and he was awarded the Grand Prix Award at the 1937 World's Fair Exposition, as well as the State prize for Sculpture and the Plastic Arts in 1938.
From the Collection of Randall Tysinger Antiques, High Point, North Carolina
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Sculpture can be disassembled for transport; some areas do not sit flush together when assembled; some scattered cracks, surface weathering and stains to wood; missing littlest toe on right foot; areas of old insect damage; some smaller wood elements loose; rusting to iron strappings.