Vienna Owlglass Jester with Owl by Josef Lorenzl for Goldscheider, 1930s

Exceptional Art Déco Goldscheider Figurine by Josef Lorenzl The young man dressed as a jester with a fool’s cap sits on a green base. An owl sits on his left outstretched hand. with the right index finger raised, the fool seems to regulate the bird. Referring to his name, ‘Eulenspiegel’, which literally translated means: ‘owl mirror’, the young man seems to hold the owl in front of him as a – mirror. The owl is a symbol of prudence and wisdom … Artist signature ‘Laurenzl’ on the back of the base. Designed by Josef Lorenzl (1892 – 1950), one of the most important designers having been active for Goldscheider manufactory in the period of 1920 – 1940. Model 5193 was created 1923/1924. Made circa 1925 – 1930 Size: Height: 23.5 cm / 9.25 in Width: 14.0 cm / 5.51 in Depth: 14.0 cm / 5.51 in Bibliography: Dechant / Goldscheider: Goldscheider. History of the company and catalogue of works, Stuttgart (Germany), 2007, Page 401, Number 5193 Condition: excellent ‘Till Eulenspiegel’ is the protagonist of a Central Low German folk book that first appeared around 1510. According to this collection of droll stories, Eulenspiegel was a roaming scoundrel of the 14th century who pretended to be stupid but was actually clever and always played new tricks on his fellow men. Eulenspiegel’s pranks often result from the fact that he takes a figurative phrase literally. The book, whose author remained unknown, became a bestseller as early as the 16th century. (Wikipedia) ‘Eulenspiegel’ made his main entrance in English- speaking culture late in the nineteenth century as ‘Owlglass’, but was first mentioned in English literature by Ben Jonson in his comedic play ‘The Alchemist’.