Axel Salto, born in Copenhagen in 1889, is a leading figure in 20th century ceramic art. Graduated of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, he devoted his early years to painting and then became interested in graphic arts and modernism. Its sources of inspiration, notably Ovid's metamorphoses and Greco-Roman myths, will remain a theme throughout its creation. He visited Paris where he met Picasso and Matisse and created the Klingen newspaper, which became a spokesman for the Danish modernist movement between 1917 and 1920. Axel Salto, a stoneware specialist at the Royal Manufactory in Copenhagen, is now recognised as one of the most prolific and unique Danish designers of his time.
Lot 58 - Axel Johannes Salto (1889-1961)
20.715 Model, The Living Stone
Estimate 20 000 - 30 000 €
Result : 26 000 €
However, his need to approach more and more materials led him to join Mr. Carl Halier's workshop where he became familiar with the materials and techniques of ceramics until he mastered them perfectly. Axel Salto then collaborated with the Bing & Grøndahl manufactory for which he made porcelain for the 1925 Paris International Exhibition, where he received the silver medal. Ceramics then became his favourite field. He first worked in collaboration with Carl Hallier at the Frederiksberg studio, then briefly at the Saxbo factory and finally at the Royal Copenhagen Manufacture from 1933 to the 1950s. The artist draws his inspiration from nature where he finds a perpetual renewal and seeks to "create in accordance with it, rather than copy its exterior". According to him, clay "breathes" and has its own innate energy. His works remarkably combine organic and almost biomorphic silhouettes, pushing the boundaries of early 20th century ceramic art.
Lot 57 - Axel Johannes Salto (1889-1961)
21.453 Model, Vase
Estimate 8 000 / 12 000 €
Result 10 400 €
Among its most emblematic pieces we could also mention the "budding" or "bud", "sprouting" or "germinating" and "living stone", the "living stone" models. In his art, the "germinative style" is the apotheosis of his creation. The buds stretch, large and small, they rise and fall in a rich and abundant rhythm. The sculpture 20.713, created in glazed stoneware dating from 1944 is a very good example of his style expressing a dynamic of growth and great vitality.
Lot 66 - Axel Johannes Salto (1889-1961)
20.713 Model, Vase
Estimate 35 000 - 45 000 €
Result : 45 500 €
