Lot 125

Otto Gutfreund (1889 - 1927) MODERN LIFE: CAFÉ, CAFÉ II, JAZZ I

Otto Gutfreund’s dancing figures from his Modern Live studies feature a dynamism and interweaving flow that stand out for their smoothness. The form of the figures is true yet refined, inspired from the motifs of everyday life. These are part of the series of sculptures on the Riunione Adriatica di Sicurtà building. As Social Civilism started to culminate in the 1920s, Otto Gutfreund imparted his own personal take to the movement, particularly after 1924, as the poetics of the Devětsil art group came to the fore and art became closer and more accessible to people. This avant-garde art group made an unquestionably significant contribution to modern art in Bohemia and to expanding the reach of modern art to all levels of society.