Leonhard Posch

Fügen 1750 – 1831 Berlin
Relief of St. Paul
Design around 1818
Ivory relief 14 x 11 x 3 cm, with frame 28 x 25 cm
CITES is available
This exquisite relief of St. Paul, created by Leonhard Posch, is an outstanding work in the genre of ivory carving. Posch, a talented sculptor, medal maker and wax embosser, who was born in Fügen in 1750 and died in Berlin in 1831, is known for his filigree and detailed portrait formats. His training and the development of his artistic skills in Vienna and Berlin led him to a remarkable oeuvre of more than 200 portrait models, in which he revolutionized the genre of iron art casting.
The relief shows the saint in profile, with short, curly hair and a long, luxuriant beard, giving the impression of wisdom and authority. The left hand is held in front of the body and is presented to the viewer in a particularly detailed execution. Posch used an elaborately carved cloak with fine textures for the saint’s clothing. The saint’s proliferating eyebrows frame his deep-set eyes and a furrowed, white face with a prominent, pointed nose.
The materiality of ivory is of great importance for miniature reliefs. Ivory was highly prized for its fine texture and color nuances, making it ideal for precise carving. This choice of material not only lends the relief a special elegance, but also helps to preserve the fine details that characterize Posch’s work. This depiction is only preserved in museums as wax embossing or in cast iron, for example in the Vienna Technical Museum (inv. no. 16130/1-2).
This relief porfil breast portrait is a remarkable example of Posch’s craftsmanship and demonstrates his ability to capture emotions and character traits in a small, oval format. It is not only an exceptional work of art, but also a significant testament to the tradition of ivory carving. The combination of Posch’s masterly skill and the high-quality material makes this relief an outstanding piece for collectors and lovers of 18th and 19th century art.
Literature: A. Forschler-Tarrasch, Leonhard Posch. Porträtmodelleur und Bildhauer, 2002, p. 232, no. 873.