Airedale - Terrier, Das Haustier Der Splieths 1924

This bronze Airedale Terrier, titled "Das Haustier Der Splieths," was made by Ludwig Manzel, though we don't know exactly when. I'm picturing Manzel in his studio, maybe pausing now and then to observe a real Airedale, trying to capture the essence of this dog with his hands. It's got a really solid, grounded quality. You can almost feel the weight of the bronze, the coolness of the metal. I wonder about the family who owned this dog. I bet Manzel spent some time with it, observing its personality, its stance. Look how alert it is! I love how Manzel hasn’t smoothed away all the traces of his process, you can see the marks he made working the metal to bring it to life. What do you think the Splieths were like? Did they commission the artwork or was it a surprise gift? Artists are always talking to each other across time and space, and I am so grateful to be part of that conversation.