Axel Poulsen (b. Copenhagen 1887, d. 1972)
“Den første kærlighed” (The First Love). Signed Axel Poulsen 1913. White marble. H. 170 cm.
The sculpture “The First Love” is Axel Poulsen's breakthrough piece, and it was a large part of the reason why Poulsen was awarded the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts' Eckersberg Medal in 1914. The work was created in Rome and the figures' slender limbs are clearly inspired by the early Italian renaissance and especially Donatello (1386–1466), whom Axel Poulsen felt artistically akin to. Axel Poulsen shared his interest for the early renaissance with his contemporary colleague Einar Utzon-Frank (1888–1955), who, however, to a greater degree was focused on the formal inspiration, while Axel Poulsen was interested in the universal human themes.
A version of the motif - created in 1916 - can be found in Copenhagen in the collection at the National Gallery of Denmark, and a version in plaster can be found in the collection at BRANDTS - Museum for Art and Visual Culture in Odense.
Condition report on request.
Please note: The item is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. In the event of a hammer price of DKK 50,000 or more, including buyer’s premium, the buyer must submit a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of address in order to collect the item.
Modern paintings & prints, 8 June 2016