Bronze , partly polished. With the monogram and the foundry mark "W. Füssel 1 Berlin" on the base. Ca. 145 x 80 x 48 cm.
Second version of the Vogelstele (bird stele) with a cylindrical bronze base, developed in 1975/77, replacing the rectangular granite base of the first version from 1969. Presumably only two versions of this second variant with a cylindrical base are known to exist. Cast during the artist's lifetime in 1980 by Giesserei Füssel, Berlin. [AR].
- Lifetime cast from the central group of the partly polished bronzes. - Charming material contrast with the recurring theme of the bird. - Three partly polished bronzes by the artist from the same creative period (Vertical Motif I-III, 1966-67) are on display in the sculpture garden of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin. - Bernhard Heiliger is considered one of the most influential German post-war sculptors, receiving the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1974.
LITERATURE: Marc Wellmann, Bernhard Heiliger 1915-1995. Monographie und Werkverzeichnis, Cologne 2005, no. 329 (illu. on p. 80).

Bernhard Heiliger 1915-1995: Kosmos eines Bildhauers, Martin-Gropius-Bau, Berlin, November 5, 2005 - January 15, 2006, Museum Würth, Künzelsau, February 2 - July 2, 2006, cat. no. 74 (illu. on p. 80)

Piorr/Dohrn Collection, Hamburg. Private collection Northern Germany

In good condition. In an overall harmonious impression. The polished areas with small spots and slight traces of scratching and oxidation. The base with a few faint marks and traces of rubbing.