August Otto and Johann Maresch

AUGUST OTTO (Austria, 1868-1947).
Manufacture of JOHANN MARESCH (Austria, 1821-1914).
Sculpture with mirror. Art Nouveau, ca. 1900.
Polychrome plaster.
Signed and numbered on the base.
Measurements: 72 x 37 x 15 cm.

Art Nouveau style mirror of Austrian school (in the framework of the Viennese Secession), with a polychrome plaster sculpture, manufactured by Johann Maresch from a design by August Otto. The circular mirror is housed in a tree-like pedestal on which a delicate female figure rests in a graceful pose. Its timeless classical beauty aligns with the ladies of the Pre-Raphaelite paintings that also influenced Germanic modernism.

The pottery firm Johann Maresch (official name Johann Maresch Thon- und Stein-gutwaren fabric in Aussig or Johann Maresch Siderolith und Terracotta Fabrik ) was located in Ústí nad Labem. The products produced here were labeled B and M, around 1863 the company changed to the JM brand. The company had extensive production and exported its goods. The ceramic dwarf produced in the Maresch company since the early 1880s has become one of the symbols of Ústí nad Labem. The original pieces from the production of this plant have been transformed today among the expensive collector's items.