Conceived Darca 1925-32

Leo Habig, Germany (acquired directly from the artist)
Private Collection (acquired from the estate of the above in 1974)
Acquired by the present owner circa 2000

Rudolf G. Binding, Vom Leben der Plastik, Inhalt und Schönheit des Werkes von Georg Kolbe, Berlin, 1933, illustration of another cast pp. 68-69
Ursel Berger, Georg Kolbe - Leben und Werk, Berlin, 1990, no. 139, illustration of another cast p. 333
Georg Kolbe, 1877-1947 (exhibition catalogue), Georg-Kolbe-Museum, Berlin & Gerhard  Marcks-Haus, Bremen, 1997-98, no. 63, colour illustration of another cast p. 59

In very good condition. The work has an excellent surface and a rich, dark brown patina. The work appears to have been waxed and gently cleaned. Patina is slightly rubbed under her left arm. A few very minor nicks and scratches, otherwise in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ruf der Erde is one of the finest and rare examples of Georg Kolbe's œuvre. Executed with the utmost sensibility for form and content, the artist brilliantly renders the figure's exceptional posture. The spirit with which Kolbe has depicted the model is highly evocative, elegantly capturing the figure's motion. The artist saw the human form as a vessel holding the greatest secret, which he sought to uncover. Commenting on his new development of style away from mere natural representation, Kolbe noted: 'My works no longer originate from nature...I have come closer to the plastic essence of things and can therefore lend more expression to the human form' (quoted in U. Berger, Op. Cit., p. 66, translated from German).

According to the expert Dr. Ursel Berger, Ruf der Erde is one of the last figures in the artist's œuvre portrayed 'in motion' before the artist departed on a new artistic endeavour, concentrating solely on still standing motifs. In its dramatic posture and arresting expression the sitter is filled with powerful expressive emotion, making the present work one of the most captivating bronzes in the artist's œuvre.

Ruf der Erde belongs to one of only four lifetime casts of this edition executed between 1933-1937. There are no posthu𓂃mous casts of this ꦡmodel as the original plaster for the work was destroyed. The other three casts are housed in the Folkwang-Museum, Essen, the Georg-Kolbe-Museum, Berlin and the Rockefeller Collection.