The “Sitzende” (Seated) was created in 1923 as a pendant to the “Kauernde” (Crouching) from 1917. Both were published by the art dealer Ferdinand Möller. Our bronze is one of the small versions that Georg Kolbe made that year. It is distinguished by its calm, thoughtful expression and formal expressionist style. The tough times Georg Kolbe had been through in previous years also changed his style, making it more striking and angular. Compared to the pre-war years, he no longer sought delicacy in movement and surface but moved on to new formal expressions. This development also becomes evident in “Sitzende,” whereby this small figure breaks with the “hardening” of previous years. Her posture and the gesture of her face resting on her hand express great inner calm. The “Sitzende” thus already points to the later work of the great sculptor. Kolbe considered creating a larger version of the “Sitzende” as a fountain figure. Ultimately, this plan never came to fruition.
Ursel Berger, former director of the Georg Kolbe Museum in Berlin, notes in her expert opinion on the bronze: “There is not the slightest doubt that the renowned Berlin foundry [Hermann Noack] made it. The opaque, lacquer-like patina, which at times could be very dark, as is the case here, is typical of the period. In terms of its execution, this bronze corresponds to the Noack standard.” This beautiful dark patina further emphasizes the tranquil appearance of the small figure ‘Sitzende. [EH]