'Pierrot'

'Pierrot' An Art Deco bronze and ivory figure of the Commedia dell'arte character by Gerda Gerdago. Excellent original enamel painted decorated costume. Set over original onyx base. 

APHA Self Declaration Submission Reference: XMLL6L2V

Dimensions: H 25cm W 18cm D 7.5cm

Origin: Austrian

Date: Circa 1925

Item Number: 2711241

Gerda Ira Gerdago (Austrian, 1906 ~ 2004) 

Surviving the Nazi occupation of Austria under the pseudonym ‘Gerdago’, Gerda Gottstein was a talented Austrian costume designer, sculptor, and artist renowned for her work in both film and theatre. Born in Vienna, Gerdago initially trained as a sculptor under Fritz Klimsch in Berlin and later studied at Vienna's Kunstgewerbeschule (School of Applied Arts). Her artistic sensibility was heavily influenced by Art Deco and the Vienna Secession, which is evident in her creations which blend elegance, modernity, and dynamic forms.

In the 1930s, Gerdago transitioned to costume design for theatre and cinema, where her imaginative and avant-garde designs became highly sought after. She worked on numerous films, particularly in the Austrian and German film industries, crafting costumes that contributed to the visual storytelling of the era. In 1934 she famously worked on set with Willi Forst, creating costumes for for his film ‘Unfinished Symphony’. She also designed the costumes and posters for the Vienna Ice Revue shows from 1945 onwards.

Beyond costume design, Gerdago was an accomplished sculptor. She is especially celebrated for her Art Deco bronze sculptures, which often depict lithe, dynamic female figures in motion, sometimes dressed in futuristic or theatrical attire. These works reflect her background in performance arts and her deep understanding of human movement and form. Gerdago’s legacy lies in her unique ability to merge disciplines—sculpture, design, and fine arts—leaving a lasting impression on both decorative arts and cinematic aesthetics of the early 20th century.