Welcome to modish!

Modish is a social-networking community of modern design enthusiasts from all walks of life. Recent finds and prized possessions are shared by members in a format resembling show & tell. We are a good-spirited, fun group and the site is an invaluable, ever-expanding and evolving resource for 20th century modern design enthusiasts. Posts on all forms of vintage modern design are welcome (Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid-century Modern, and more). Your active participation makes this all work.

When you register and sign in, you can participate, search content, and access almost 10,000 pages. Sign in to remove the welcome and login boxes.

User login

  • Sign in with Twitter

Hans Stangl's Modern Madonna for Rosenthal's Studio-Linie

Modern Madonna mark
Hans Stangl's Modern Madonna for Rosenthal's Studio-Linie

This has long been a favorite - it took a while, but I ascertained that this figure was designed by Hans Stangl (do not confuse with Martin Stangl) for Rosenthal.  I know of at least 3 different forms of these Modern Madonna figures by Rosenthal, desinged by Stangl - but there could be more!  This one stands at about 9 inches tall; there is a smaller example of the same figure at about 5 inches tall.

The term Studio-Linie is old-fashioned, linie being German for line.  Today, Rosenthal calls it Studio Line, even in their German materials!  This  modern line of artwares at Rosenthal began in 1961.  I am truly not that learned, but there are numerous astounding examples of ceramic designs by the übercrust of Europe.  Tapio Wirkkala's Pollo (or chicken) vases would be representative - look it up, or just visit their current website!    They apparently still make Pollo.

Markings:  note the gold S mark for Rosenthal Studio-Linie.  It's obscured a bit by part of a paper label, apparently from the Rosenthal store in Rome!  ooo la la

0
Average: 5 (3 votes)
atomicscott's picture

Re: Hans Stangl's Modern Madonna for Rosenthal's Studio-Linie

Really beautiful, Rick. You're pulling out all of the stops lately. Thanks for generously sharing your amazing collection.

modlectic's picture

Re: Hans Stangl's Modern Madonna for Rosenthal's Studio-Linie

Wonderful. I can't believe I'm writing this, but this is a case where crazing (I assume it's intentional) is a beautiful thing.

mpratt's picture

Re: Hans Stangl's Modern Madonna for Rosenthal's Studio-Linie

Crackle glassware and intentionally crazed ceramics definitely are a more traditional form of decoration. However, in this piece, the crazed finish adds almost a mosaic texture that gives this piece dimensionality. I agree with you, Clyde, this piece defies the norm and appeals to this modernist's sensibilities as well.

studiosmith's picture

Re: Hans Stangl's Modern Madonna for Rosenthal's Studio-Linie

This is as modernist as modern comes. FANTASTIC find. And marked. Nice.