Pair of candelabras Werkstatte Hagenauer late 1920s

As students of Josef Hoffmann, the brothers Karl and Franz Hagenauer came into contact with the unique style of the Wiener Werkstätte very early in their careers. In the period from 1915 to the early 1920s, the distinctive design of Dagobert Peche was predominant among many of the objects produced.

The filigree lightness of the designs created by Peche must have left a lasting impression on the Hagenauer brothers. Many objects from this early period show a strong influence by the style of Peche. Later, Karl and Franz developed their own distinctive styles from this impulse, leading Werkstätte Hagenauer to international success.

These two candlesticks clearly show the influence of Dagobert Peche’s work. Both the triangle with the small sphere and the leaves growing from it are very similar to the works from the Wiener Werkstätte. Yet, in the upper area, with the animals and fruits connected by tendrils, a clear independence in style already appears. The pair is an exceptionally impressive art object, with the proportions of the candlesticks combined with the filigree ornaments and the upward tapering base.