Rare and large Vally Wieselthier Art Deco statuary, an original work entitled Playmates, made circa 1935 during her early years in New York City. The half nude maiden is kneeling against a tree, petting a deer at her side. The figures are mounted on a open ridged plinth and covered by a pleasing orange glaze. Measures 17 1/2 inches tall, 16 inches long and 5 1/4 inches deep. Hand inscribed Vally Wieselthier below the plinth along with a partial paper label from Karl Freund Arts, Inc. in New York. Freund’s gallery was located a few doors down from Wieselthier’s residence in the City. A small article (available) from the New York Times, June 12th, 1936 announces a show of new work by Wieselthier at Freund’s in which this piece was a major part. The plinth has an older chip to the top back corner and a flat chip on the upper back side. Glaze lines on the front leg of the deer at a thinly glazed area. This sculpture was purchased from the Karl Freund Gallery (in operation 1936 to 1939) by a Duluth family and was acquired from their estate at auction in 2015. A black & white photo of Playmates appears in Vally Wieselthier by Marianne Hormann, page 72. Well proportioned and masterful work by the artist.

base chips, glaze lines, thin glazed area