† Gottfried Honegger
(Swiss, 1917-2016)
"Espace 3", 1975
carved marble
h. 12", w. 12", d. 6-1/2"
Provenance: Gimpel and Hanover Galerie, Zurich, Switzerland, 1976; Estate of Thomas B. Lemann, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Nothing is more concrete than a line, a color, a surface.
--Gottfried Honegger
from artist's website

Honegger attended the Zurich School of Applied Arts and opened his own corporate design studio in 1938. A successful graphic designer, it wasn't until he was in his 40s that he decided to concentrate solely on his art. He spent several years in New York, where he befriended the Abstract Expressionists. He also was exposed to the tenets of Concrete and Constructive art which emphasized the importance of art having a social purpose, of incorporating the industrial and urban design.

Shortly after moving to France, he began sculpting. His works of carved stone and marble are explorations of shape and form, composed of bisected or truncated geometric elements.

In 1990, he and his partner Sybil Albers founded Espace de l'Art Concrete in Mouans-Sartoux. Honegger was named a Chevalier, and later Commandeur, de l'Order des Arts et des Lettres and made a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur. In 2015 a retrospective of his work was held at the Centre Pompidou.

Overall good condition with a few nicks and losses, especially at bottom edge and along back edge - visible in images. One piece - but visible join seam. New Orleans Auction Galleries is pleased to issue and opinion of any lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate that a lot is perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear.  Please understand that New Orleans Auction Galleries employs no professional conservators. All statements in any condition report, or statements taken verbally, are purely our best opinions, and not blanket statements of fact issued by this auction house.  Prospective buyers should examine each lot so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, importance, age, etc. Regardless of any statements made in writing or verbally, all lots are sold strictly "As Is" in accordance with section 2 of our Conditions of Sale.  No returns will be accepted on the basis of condition.