Figurative clay group of the Madonna

Porcelain stoneware.
A relief sculptural group. The Madonna, seated on a throne in a long golden-yellow mantle, holding a child in her arms. The cloud pedestal is decorated with stars, the Star of Bethlehem, and a floral garland with six musical angels. A rare color variant of a significant ceramic group with rich polychrome painting. Possibly by Anton Klieber, 1916. On the reverse, there is an inscription "ANTON KLIEBER," dated 1916, and an unclear number; a trademark (triangular mark) with the inscription "MADE IN AUSTRIA." Height 25.3 cm; width 29 cm. Klieber (1886–1971) studied at the specialized ceramics school in Teplice and entered the renowned School of Arts and Crafts in Vienna, where he became a freelance sculptor and "ceramic sculptor" together with Powolny, Löffler, and Peche. He became one of the most successful ceramic designers. For the company "Keramos – Vienna Artistic Ceramics and Porcelain Manufactory," founded in 1920 and also involving Josef Hoffmann, he created the majority of models from 1921 onwards. Viennese glazed and painted sculptural clay group of the Madonna with Child and a concert of angels, created by Anton Klieber for Keramos. Inscription and date 1916, factory mark. Austria. Vienna. Keramos. Circa 1928–1930.