Robert Prenzel Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Robert Prenzel Art Value Price Guide

Jun. 25, 2024
Robert Prenzel (Australian, 1866-1941) Pair of Blackwood Carved Hall Chairs, height 110 cm
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Robert Prenzel (Australian, 1866-1941) Pair of Blackwood Carved Hall Chairs in Gothic Renaissance style, the back panels depicting carved winged demons each holding a shield, solid wood seats carved with Art Nouveau flowers set upon a base carved with dolphins, stamped to underside of seat ' Robt Prenzel, wood carved, Sturt Street, South Melbourne, European Labour Only' (2)
Shapiro Auctioneers
Mar. 06, 2023
Robert PRENZEL (1866-1941) 'Juanju', a woman of the Waluningma Tribe, Gilbert River, North Queensland, after J.W. Lindt Black chalk,.
Est: $700 - $1,000
Robert PRENZEL (1866-1941) 'Juanju', a woman of the Waluningma Tribe, Gilbert River, North Queensland, after J.W. Lindt Black chalk, ink, watercolour, and paint on paper Signed and dated lower right: Robt. Prenzel 1922 56 x 38.5cm OTHER NOTES: The origin, meaning, and variety of Prenzel's 1920s carved hardwood portraits of indigenous Australian men and women is discussed by Terence Lane in his Robert Prenzel, 1866-1941: His Life and Work (National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 1994), pp 37-40. One of the rarer types of these portraits - 'Juanju', an example of which, dated 1922, was recently sold by Leonard Joel (Decorative Arts, 5 December, 2022, lot 69) - is based on a photograph made by Prenzel's friend J.W. Lindt which was captioned '"Juanju", Waluningma Tribe. Gilbert River. N.Q.' (Lindt's photo numbered 2127, a print of which was sold at Gibson's Auctions, The Australian Collection, June 16, 2019, lot 138; a differently posed photo by Lindt of the same subject is illustrated in Lane, pl. 68). The present drawing, which generally follows Lindt's photo 2127 closely and was made the same year as the 'Juanju' recently sold by Leonard Joel, was presumably made as part of Prenzel's process of converting Lindt's photo into sculptural form.
Leonard Joel
Aug. 28, 2022
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A pair of carved timber portrait panels of an aboriginal man and a woman with a headscarf
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A pair of carved timber portrait panels of an aboriginal man and a woman with a headscarf signed R. PRENZEL and dated 1918 lower right, further stamped 'Robert Prenzel Toorak Road South Yarra, European Labour Only' verso 66cm high, 56cm wide approximately PROVENANCE The David & Leslie Frost Collection of Australian and Colonial Antiques and Art, Mossgreen, October 9, 2016, lot 471.
Gibson's
May. 22, 2022
ROBERT PRENZEL (1886-1941) " ABORIGINAL WOMAN IN HEADSCARF SMOKING A PIPE"
Est: $12,000 - $20,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1886-1941) " ABORIGINAL WOMAN IN HEADSCARF SMOKING A PIPE" Important carved portrait of Aboriginal woman .Signed in scarf and dated 1918(Private Collection Melbourne Ht 40cm W 36cm D 13cm
Phillip Caldwell Auctioneers
May. 22, 2022
ROBERT PRENZEL (1886-1941) "LAUGHING ABORIGINAL MAN"
Est: $12,000 - $20,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1886-1941) "LAUGHING ABORIGINAL MAN" Important carved portrait of Aboriginal man carved in Blackbean.Signed and dated verso "Robt Prenzel Toorak Rd South Yarra Sept 1917,(Private Collection Melbourne)H 46cm W 35cm D 10cm
Phillip Caldwell Auctioneers
Mar. 29, 2022
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) TWO KOOKABURRAS PERCHED ON A EUCALYPTUS BRANCH carved panel
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) TWO KOOKABURRAS PERCHED ON A EUCALYPTUS BRANCH carved panel incised lower right: ROBERT PRENZEL / 1935 48 x 30cm (57 x 38cm framed)
Leonard Joel
Oct. 19, 2021
Robert Prenzel (German, 1866-1941),
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
Robert Prenzel (German, 1866-1941), Robert Prenzel (German, 1866-1941), two wood carved reliefs, one depicting a laughing Aboriginal man, the other depicting an Aboriginal woman smoking a pipe, signed and dated 'R. Prenzel 1917' and 'R. Prenzel 1918' respectively, the laughing man incised to the verso 'Robt. Prenzel, Toorak Rd South Yarra, Sept 1917', the man 45 x 35cm the woman 40 x 36cm (2) Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) Robert Prenzel was born in 1866 in the Prussian town of Kittliztreben, in present-day Poland. After a four-year apprenticeship, further studies at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, and another four years of work experience around Europe, he emigrated to Australia at the age of 22. Trained in the classical European styles, he went on to define Australian craft and design throughout the first quarter of the 20th century. Basing himself in Melbourne from 1888, Prenzels work was pivotal to the movement and epoch of 'Marvellous Melbourne'. In the early 1900s, he predominantly produced commissioned works for churches and public spaces in Continental, rococo and baroque styles, before opening his own furniture workshop on Toorak Road in central Melbourne in 1910. From there, Prenzel came to pioneer the secessionist movement of Australian woodcarving, known as Gum Nut Art Nouveau. Using predominantly native timbers, Prenzel produced everything from pictorial wall plaques to longcase clocks. Developing a unique artistic style, his works combined the vogue of European Art Nouveau with carved motifs of Australian flora and fauna, the majority of which were based on paintings, descriptive texts and photographs by his contemporaries. Through the use of this two-dimensional imagery, Prenzel often allowed for individual interpretations and imaginations of his subject matter, introducing minor changes and alterations to each three-dimensional rendering, giving each its unique characteristics. Prenzels work was phenomenally well received by his contemporaries, both in Australia and abroad. Throughout his career, he championed Australian flora and fauna, founding a botanical garden in South Melbourne and serving as an advisor on the subject to the Commonwealth government. However, his endeavours were cut short by the anti-German sentiments of the post-World War I era, eventually forcing him into retirement during the mid-1920s. In spite of this, he continued carving and working from his home in Black Rock until his death in 1941. Lot 15 shows Prenzels most recognised designs from the peak of his career. Woman with a Pipe and The Laughing Man, after the original photograph by Henry King, were among his most frequent and celebrated subject matter, both as small embellishments and as standalone portrait carvings. Having been dismounted from their original backboards, these works are indicative of the intricacy and skill of Prenzels carvings.
Sworders
Mar. 14, 2021
A Robert Prenzel Chest
Est: $5,000 - $10,000
A Robert Prenzel Chest Robert Prenzel (1866-1941). C.1910. The relief carved panel to the front depicting a Kookaburra on a leaf baring eucalyptus branch. The hinged lid with original brass fixings. Stamped to underside of box 'ROBT PRENZEL/TOORAK ROAD, SOUTH YARRA/EUROPEAN LABOUR ONLY'. H480 W760 D500mm Prenzel was the most important member of a group of professional and amateur carvers who worked in a distinctly Australian idiom in the first quarter of this century. Prenzel is best remembered today for his furniture and carvings featuring Australian motifs, often in the Art Nouveau style and in Australian timbers. His most ambitious and sought after works date from the early years of the 20th century, as evidenced in this remarkable piece.
Webb’s – Specialist Auctioneers
May. 07, 2019
After Robert Prenzel (Australian, 1866-1941)
Est: $800 - $1,200
Arts and Crafts Occasional Table, c. 1910 probably black bean, the top carved with water lilies flanked by two large leaves
Shapiro Auctioneers
Mar. 20, 2019
ROBERT PRENZEL 1866-1941 'Kookaburra' panel, 1926 Australian native hardwoods 56 x 37.5 cm (panel)
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
ROBERT PRENZEL 1866-1941 'Kookaburra' panel, 1926 Australian native hardwoods naturalistically carved with a Kookaburra in side profile, perched on a Eucalyptus branch with gum nuts and leaves, within a rustic Queensland silky oak frame, inscribed signature 'R. Prenzel' and date '1926' lower right 56 x 37.5 cm (panel) PROVENANCE Private Collection, Melbourne Private Collection, by descent from the above in 2018
Smith & Singer
Sep. 17, 2018
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866 -1941) EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Est: $11,500 - $15,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866 -1941) EARLY 20TH CENTURY A carved portrait of an Aboriginal man carved in blackbean presented on an oak frame. Signed and dated ' R PRENZEL 1924, lower right hand side of torso 62cm by 58cm
Leonard Joel
Jul. 18, 2018
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A relief carved panel depicting a kookaburra perched on a leafy eucalyptus branch, circa 1912 59 x 97cm (o...
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A relief carved panel depicting a kookaburra perched on a leafy eucalyptus branch, circa 1912 carved 'R. Prenzel 1912' to the lower left branch, ink stamp 'ROBT PRENZEL / TOORAK ROAD / SOUTH YARRA / EUROPEAN LABOUR ONLY' to the reverse 59 x 97cm (overall)
Smith & Singer
May. 07, 2018
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A KOOKABURRA PANEL, CIRCA 1912
Est: $30,000 - $40,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A KOOKABURRA PANEL, CIRCA 1912 A rare relief carved panel depicting a kookaburra on a leafy eucalyptus branch with gum nuts and blossoms signed 'R. Prenzel 1912' to the lower left and a further ink stamp to the reverse, ROBT PRENZEL, TOORAK ROAD, SOUTH YARRA, EUROPEAN LABOUR ONLY, 62cm x 97.5cm
Leonard Joel
May. 23, 2017
Robert Prenzel 1866 - 1941
Est: $300 - $600
Robert Prenzel 1866 - 1941 Aboriginal girl Mixed Media Signed and dated 1922 lower right 56 x 38 cm
McKenzies Auctioneers
May. 14, 2017
A CARVED OAK CHAIR ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) & JOHANN TREEDE (1863-1920)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
A CARVED OAK CHAIR ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) & JOHANN TREEDE (1863-1920) Carved in the Gothic Renaissance style, the central back panel depicting a gryphon, stamped TREED & PRENZEL / STURT ST STH MELB / EUROPEAN LABOUR / ONLY beneath the solid seat, 119 x 57 x 54.5cm
Leonard Joel
May. 14, 2017
A CARVED OAK FRAME ROBERT PRENZEL (ATTRIBUTED), CIRCA 1901
Est: $7,000 - $9,000
A CARVED OAK FRAME ROBERT PRENZEL (ATTRIBUTED), CIRCA 1901 Modelled as a gryphon surrounding a shield shaped frame inset with modern mirror, 52 cm high Provenance: purchased in Melbourne in the 1970s Literature: similar example illustrated in Robert Prenzel 1866-1941, his life and work by Terrence Lane, National Gallery of Victoria. 1994; page 11
Leonard Joel
Oct. 23, 2016
PRENZEL, Robert (1866-1941)
Est: $11,000 - $15,000
PRENZEL, Robert (1866-1941) Aboriginal Woman in Headscarf Smoking a Pipe, 1920. Signed 'R Prenzel, 1920.' Wood Carving 67x57cm
Davidson Auctions
Jul. 26, 2016
Robert Wilhelm Prenzel (Australian, 1866-1941)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Robert Wilhelm Prenzel (Australian, 1866-1941) Carved Wood Panel of an Aboriginal Woman, 1921 the woman wearing a spotted head scarf and smoking a pipe, signed 'R Prenzel 1921'
Shapiro Auctioneers
Apr. 14, 2016
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A COCKATOO PANEL
Est: $10,000 - $20,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A COCKATOO PANEL a relief carved panel depicting a cockatoo perched on a leafy branch, within a rough-hewn frame, stamped R.PRENZEL to the lower right section of the branch, the panel measuring, 56.5 x. 29.5, the frame 63.5 x 36.5cm
Leonard Joel
Oct. 27, 2015
An oak coffer attributed to Robert Prenzel (1866 - 1941), circa 1900
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
An oak coffer attributed to Robert Prenzel (1866 - 1941), circa 1900 having a moulded rim to the oak lid, centred by a shield shaped cartouche carved with the initials 'MBP', the carved front inset panel depicting dragon heads amongst scrolling foliage, supported on stile feet 47 cm high, 79 cm wide, 41 cm deep
Smith & Singer
Oct. 25, 2015
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A COCKATOO PANEL
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A COCKATOO PANEL a relief carved panel depicting a cockatoo perched on a leafy branch, within a rough-hewn frame, stamped R.PRENZEL to the lower right section of the branch, the panel measuring, 56.5 x. 29.5, the frame 63.5 x 36.5cm
Leonard Joel
May. 30, 2015
ROBERT PRENZEL, (1866-1941)
Est: $30,000 - $40,000
ROBERT PRENZEL, (1866-1941) A rare relief carved panel depicting four Kookaburras perched on a leafy eucalyptus branch signed R.PRENZEL / 1926, 57.5 x 105cm Provenance: the collection of the late Theodore Fink (1855-1942) ; thence by family descent
Leonard Joel
May. 30, 2015
ROBERT PRENZEL, (1866-1941)
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
ROBERT PRENZEL, (1866-1941) A rare relief carved panel depicting a Koala perched on a leafy eucalyptus branch signed R. PRENZEL / SOUTH YARRA VIC / 1925, 68 x 44.5cm Provenance: the collection of the late Theodore Fink (1855-1942) ; thence by family descent History: The carved furniture and ornaments of Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) have long been recognised as a symbol of prosperity in 'Marvelous Melbourne' around the time of Federation and into the first quarter of the 20th century: early evidence of his work in collaboration with fellow German émigré, Otto Waschatz, can be found in the solid plaster cast adornments of stately mansions including 'Labassa' in the Melbourne suburb, Caulfield North, while his commissioned suites of furniture and interior embellishments graced the homes of some of Victoria's most prominent Western District graziers. Initially working in the German Renaissance Revival style favoured in his homeland, from 1901 the characteristics of Prenzel's work evolved into what was colloquially known as 'Gum Nut Art Nouveau,' distinguished by the combination of Australian floral and faunal motifs with the whiplash lines and stylized naturalism of Art Nouveau, which was gathering pace as the prevailing fashion in art and interior design. Prenzel's interest in the naturalist motifs of his adopted country found further expression in a series of wall panels depicting Australian native wildlife, which were to become a commercial success and a focal point of his workshop on Toorak Road, South Yarra. Created from around 1912 up until the mid-1920s, the panels were inspired by depictions of Australian fauna in photographs, images in naturalist texts and works by Australian artists. From these sources, Prenzel interpreted his subjects in three dimensions, in naturalistic settings, presenting them within a rough-hewn frame. The use of a template allowed for different compositions and individual alterations to a subject, while the flora depicted in the panels were recalled from memory or specimens gathered from Prenzel's garden. The faunal panels presented here formed part of the collection of the late Theodore Fink (1855-1942) and have remained in the ownership of his family and descendants since they were acquired directly from Robert Prenzel. A prominent solicitor, politician and long-standing shareholder and chairman of the Herald newspaper, Fink's commercial interests were counterbalanced by a strong association with the arts - he was a long-standing member of the Victorian Artist's Society and a familiar of some of the leading lights of the Melbourne arts community in the early 20th century. The largest of the panels, an animated tableaux dated 1926, depicts four Kookaburras perched on a leafy Eucalyptus branch and captures Prenzel's ability to imbue his faunal subjects with personality. The panel is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue for the retrospective of Prenzel's work staged by the National Gallery of Victoria in 1994, although incorrectly listed as dating from 1921. The second panel, dated 1925, features a solitary Koala clinging to a Eucalyptus branch, carved in high relief, simultaneously displaying Prenzel's technical mastery and his personal interpretation of one of Australia's faunal icons. Australian and European artworks from Fink collection will be offered in Leonard Joel's Fine Art auction on Tuesday 23rd June, 2015 Reference: Terence Lane, Robert Prenzel 1866-1941: His Life and Work, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne 1994
Leonard Joel
Oct. 26, 2014
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) MOUNTAIN ASH FIRE SCREEN, CIRCA 1910central panel depicting two kookaburras perched on gum nut branch, carved with a Warratah motif, framing the two top edges, 87 x 76 cm
Leonard Joel
Jun. 01, 2014
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A BLACKWOOD SETTLE, CIRCA 1904-1909 the rectangular back inscribed with the Latin motto Pax Huic Domui - Peace Be to this House - above a gryphon frieze, stylised scroll arms and a hinged seat, the front and sides carved with water lily panels, ink mark ROBT. PRENZEL / CITY ROAD / SOUTH YARRA / EUROPEAN LABOUR ONLY to the underside of the base, replaced bun feet, 135 x 128.5 x 54.5cm
Leonard Joel
Oct. 27, 2013
JOHANN TREEDE & ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A CARVED WALL CABINET, CIRCA 1895
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
JOHANN TREEDE & ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A CARVED WALL CABINET, CIRCA 1895 carved in low relief with various griffins, stamped verso ' TREEDE & PRENZEL, STURT ST.S.M, EUROP. LABOUR', crack to back panel and chips, 84cm high.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 03, 2012
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941)A RARE CARVED LONG CASE CLOCK, CIRCA 1910
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A RARE CARVED LONG CASE CLOCK, CIRCA 1910 REPUTEDLY PART OF THE ORIGINAL FURNISHINGS OF GLENORMISTON, WESTERN DISTRICT, VICTORIA THE MOVEMENT STAMPED F. ZIEGELER, MELBOURNE Decorated in the Arts and Crafts style, with a beaten and embossed brass Roman numeral dial, engraved pewter hands and a weight driven eight day quarter striking movement on two bells, hour striking on one bell, the hood boldly carved with gryphons to each corner within foliate surrounds extending to either side on a stippled ground, centred by the relief carved motto 'Time / and Tide / Wait for / No / Man,' above a frieze carved with five individual moon caricatures, the casement door inset with a panel depicting a gryphon in elongated form, applied with a beaten metal escutcheon and strapwork, the lower section with a carved panel depicting a gothic mask head, stamped 'ROBT PRENZEL / CITY ROAD / SOUTH MELBOURNE / EUROPEAN LABOUR ONLY' to the interior and to the top of the hood, raised on a plinth base 240cm high. Provenance: by repute, the Black family, Glenormiston homestead, Western District, Victoria Circa 1942 to present - by descent, the Roberts family, Victoria History: According to Roberts family history, the long case clock presented here with a case carved by the renowned Melbourne wood carver, Robert Prenzel, was purchased by the current owner's father, Mr Harold Roberts, from the sale of furniture from Glenormiston homestead in Victoria's Western District circa 1942. At the time, the Roberts family were living in the previous caretaker's residence on the Glenormiston estate and Mr Roberts was working as manager of Trufood Australia, a company in which the Black family of Glenormiston held an interest. Steuart and Isabella Black were among Prenzel's greatest patrons. From 1905 to 1910 they commissioned Prenzel to design and construct numerous pieces of furniture and architectural ornamentation, including a comprehensive bedroom suite, newel posts and panels for the staircase of Glenormiston. Heavily carved with both European and Australian floral and faunal motifs, these works are today considered to be icons of Prenzel's oeuvre. The long case clock is heavily influenced by both the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th/early 20th century, combined with Gothic Renaissance motifs which are most often found in Prenzel's works dating from the late 19th century up to 1910. The maker's stamp on the clock lists Prenzel's address at that time as City Road, South Melbourne, a site which he occupied from 1904 to 1909, which helps to substantiate the dating of the clock's manufacture to circa 1910. The clock has been in the Roberts family since its purchase circa 1942, initially passing to the vendor's youngest brother by inheritance, then to the vendor following his brother's passing. The clock's movement was extensively serviced over a three month period in 1992, with worn and missing parts repaired and replaced, but the case is largely untouched, the only blemish being a burn mark to the back lower left hand edge. The work of Melbourne clockmakers Johann (Fritz) Frederick Wilhelm Ziegeler (1855-1936) and his son Johann Frederick Wilhelm Jnr. forms an integral part of many of the iconic public buildings constructed in Australia in the late 19th century until 1928. Specialising in the manufacture of tower clocks, they were responsible for the making clock movements for buildings including Flinders Street Station and Royal Arcade in Melbourne, as well as numerous post office buildings throughout Australia. The movement for the clock presented here was manufactured in Melbourne by the Ziegeler firm, although it is uncertain as to whether it was made by father or son. Reference: Hose, Ken and Judy, Ziegeler: Melbourne's Clockmaker, Melbourne 2008.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 03, 2012
A CARVED AND PANELLED BLACKWOOD DOOR PANELIN THE MANNER OF ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
A CARVED AND PANELLED BLACKWOOD DOOR PANEL IN THE MANNER OF ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) Rectangular, with a central cartouche finely carved with gum nuts and Eucalyptus leaves, above a further two solid panelled compartments, 165 x 63.5cm.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 03, 2012
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941)AN IMPORTANT CARVED BLACKWOOD FAUNAL PANEL
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) AN IMPORTANT CARVED BLACKWOOD FAUNAL PANEL INSCRIBED MONOGRAM RP, DATED 1892 Rectangular, carved in high relief with a swallow, a gheko and a griffin, amongst swirling flourishes and foliate sprigs on a stippled ground, within a deep edged blackwood frame, the panel 21 x 65.5cm. Illustrated in Lane, Terrence, Robert Prenzel 1866-1941: His Life and Work, b&w plate 12, p.8.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 03, 2012
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941)A PAIR OF CARVED BLACKWOOD PANELS, CIRCA 1889
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A PAIR OF CARVED BLACKWOOD PANELS, CIRCA 1889 Carved in low relief each panel depicting a long stemmed lily within a hammered reserve, hand written notation verso 'Robert Prenzel 1889 Carved', 70.5 x 15.5cm each.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 03, 2012
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941)THE PAN CONSOLE, CIRCA 1890
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) THE PAN CONSOLE, CIRCA 1890 The plaster relief marquette depicting the head of pan surrounded by fruit and flowers within a tapered bracket, 53 x 32 x 14cm. Provenance: Peter R. Walker Fine Art, Woollahra Exhibited: Robert Prenzel His Life and Work, National Gallery of Victoria 1994, Cat. no.3.
Leonard Joel
Nov. 20, 2011
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941)A RARE AND IMPORTANT BLACKWOOD LONG CASE CLOCK
Est: $13,000 - $15,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A RARE AND IMPORTANT BLACKWOOD LONG CASE CLOCK Stamped R. Prenzel, circa 1920 The stepped rectangular hood surmounted by an arched pediment, enclosing a German weight driven movement with a circular Arabic numeral dial, the body inset with a Eucalypt panel carved in high relief with a Eucalyptus branch, gum nuts and leaves on a stippled ground, above a glazed and solid panelled casement door, stamped to the inside upper right hand corner of the casement door, raised on a stepped plinth base, the clock 202 cm high; the panel 26 x 26 cm. Provenance: Mr and Mrs Richard Prideaux Thomas, Melbourne 1967-2008 the late Ms Helen Brookes, Adelaide, thence by family descent History: According to correspondence from Ms Helen Brookes held in the Robert Prenzel archive in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria, the long case clock was originally owned by her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Richard Prideaux Thomas, of Caulfield, Melbourne. While difficult to ascertain its exact year of manufacture, Ms Brookes was of the belief that the clock was acquired by Mr and Mrs Thomas at around the time of their marriage in 1923, together with a dining suite, also in Blackwood but apparently without carved decoration. While the Prenzel archive contains no apparent direct reference to the present clock, only three other examples of Prenzel long case clocks appear in the archive, indicating that there are likely to be very few clocks of this type in existence.
Leonard Joel
Oct. 25, 2011
ROBERT PRENZEL 1866-1941AN IMPORTANT AUSTRALIAN BLACKWOOD BEDROOM SUITE, CIRCA 1910, MADE FOR DR ARCHIBALD BLACK (3)
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
ROBERT PRENZEL 1866-1941 AN IMPORTANT AUSTRALIAN BLACKWOOD BEDROOM SUITE, CIRCA 1910, MADE FOR DR ARCHIBALD BLACK in the Art Nouveau style, comprising a substantial wardrobe, dressing table and wash stand decorated with flowering gum trees and gum nut laiden branches, kookaburras and waratah (3) THE WARDROBE 192CM WIDE, 56CM DEEP, 210CM HIGH OTHER NOTES The wardrobe is illustrated in Terence Lane, Robert Prenzel 1866-1941: His Life and Work, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 1994, plate 36, p. 21
Smith & Singer
Jun. 05, 2011
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A fine quality carved Blackwood faunal wall cabinet, unsigned, circa 1920
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A fine quality carved Blackwood faunal wall cabinet, unsigned, circa 1920 Rectangular, with a solid arched back, carved in high relief with a scene extending across two doors depicting a Kookaburra perched on a leafy Eucalyptus branch with gum nuts, 66.5 x 97 x 26 cm.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 05, 2011
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A fine quality carved Eucalypt foliate panel, stamped, circa 1920
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A fine quality carved Eucalypt foliate panel, stamped, circa 1920 Rectangular, finely carved in high relief with a Eucalyptus branch, gum nuts and leaves, stamped ROBERT PRENZEL, 41 x 29.5 cm.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 05, 2011
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A rare and important Blackwood long case clock, stamped R. Prenzel
Est: $18,000 - $25,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A rare and important Blackwood long case clock, stamped R. Prenzel Circa 1920 The stepped rectangular hood surmounted by an arched pediment, enclosing a German weight driven movement with a circular Arabic numeral dial, the body inset with a Eucalypt panel carved in high relief with a Eucalyptus branch, gum nuts and leaves on a stippled ground, above a glazed and solid panelled casement door, stamped to the inside upper right hand corner of the casement door, raised on a stepped plinth base, the clock 202 cm high; the panel 26 x 26 cm. Provenance: Mr and Mrs Richard Prideaux Thomas, Melbourne 1967-2008 the late Ms Helen Brookes, Adelaide, thence by family descent History: According to correspondence from Ms Helen Brookes held in the Robert Prenzel archive in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria, the long case clock was originally owned by her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Richard Prideaux Thomas, of Caulfield, Melbourne. While difficult to ascertain its exact year of manufacture, Ms Brookes was of the belief that the clock was acquired by Mr and Mrs Thomas at around the time of their marriage in 1923, together with a dining suite, also in Blackwood but apparently without carved decoration. While the Prenzel archive contains no apparent direct reference to the present clock, only three other examples of Prenzel long case clocks appear in the archive, indicating that there are likely to be very few clocks of this type in existence.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 05, 2011
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A rare and important carved Eucalypt faunal panel, signed and dated 1926
Est: $22,000 - $28,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A rare and important carved Eucalypt faunal panel, signed and dated 1926 Rectangular, carved in high relief with Koala perched in a Eucalyptus tree amongst gum leaves and gum nuts, inscribed signature Robert Prenzel / South Yarra / 1926 lower right, within a rough hewn frame, the panel 52.5 x 34.5 cm; the frame 67 x 49 cm. Provenance: Private collection, Melbourne, purchased Sotheby's, Melbourne, 12 November 2002, lot 463. Originally held in the collection of Sir James and Lady Connolly
Leonard Joel
Jun. 05, 2011
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A rare and important carved Eucalypt faunal panel, signed and dated 1926
Est: $33,000 - $38,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A rare and important carved Eucalypt faunal panel, signed and dated 1926 Rectangular, carved in high relief with four Kookaburras perched on a Eucalyptus branch amongst gum leaves and gum nuts, inscribed signature Robert Prenzel / South Yarra / 1926 lower right, within a rough hewn frame, the panel 46 x 92 cm; the frame 62 x 109 cm. Provenance: Private collection, Melbourne, purchased Sotheby's, Melbourne, 12 November 2002, lot 462. Originally held in the collection of Sir James and Lady Connolly
Leonard Joel
Jun. 05, 2011
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A rare and important carved Eucalypt faunal panel, unsigned, circa 1926
Est: $22,000 - $28,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A rare and important carved Eucalypt faunal panel, unsigned, circa 1926 Rectangular, carved in high relief with a possum climbing downwards on a Eucalyptus branch amongst gum leaves and gum nuts, within a rough hewn frame, 53.5 x 35.5; the frame 77 x 58 cm. Provenance: Private collection, Melbourne, purchased Sotheby's, Melbourne, 12 November 2002, lot 464. Originally held in the collection of Sir James and Lady Connolly History: The present work and the following two panels originally belonged to Sir James Connolly, who held positions in the Western Australian government between 1903 and 1916. After moving to England in 1917, he served as Agent General for Western Australia, a post he held unitl 1923. Sir James regularly returned to Australia for business until 1939 and It is believed that these panels were returned to Australia on one of these occasions.
Leonard Joel
Nov. 21, 2010
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A rare relief carved panel depicting kangaroos, signed and dated 1930
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A rare relief carved panel depicting kangaroos, signed and dated 1930 The rectangular panel with later applied paint and lacquer showing a kangaroo standing in the foreground beneath a tree, another kangaroo in the back ground, a kookaburra looking on from a tree branch on the left side of the scene, incised signature and date lower left, housed within a rough-hewn frame, the panel 56.5 x 25.5 cm; the frame 68.5 x 36 cm.
Leonard Joel
Nov. 21, 2010
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)An important blackwood settle, dated 1903
Est: $22,000 - $28,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) An important blackwood settle, dated 1903 The high back with an egg and dart bordered cornice and corbels at each end, above three panels, each finely carved in the Gothic Renaissance style, the outside left and right panels carved with Gryphons and inscribed 'Anno' and '1903' respectively, the centre panel depicting foliage and the relief carved inscription 'Salve', the solid hinged seat flanked by arms raised on turned supports, above a panelled apron and sides, bun feet, 174.5 x 156 x 53 cm.
Leonard Joel
Nov. 21, 2010
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941)A pair of specimen cabinets
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A pair of specimen cabinets The rectangular top above eight graduated drawers with drop ring handles, plinth base, makers stamp verso, 90 x 93 x 60 cm.
Leonard Joel
May. 24, 2010
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) AND JOHANN TREEDE
Est: $20,000 - $25,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) AND JOHANN TREEDE Victoria, dated 1898, stamped manufacturer's mark A rare oak hall chair, carved in the Gothic Renaissance style with acanthus leaf panels, the central back panel depicting a preening stork standing amongst bulrushes, the seat rail inscribed with the date 1898, stamped TREED & PRENZEL / STURT ST STH MELB / EUROPEAN LABOUR / ONLY beneath the solid seat.
Leonard Joel
May. 24, 2010
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A Blackwood wardrobe,
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) A Blackwood wardrobe, with a cavetto moulded pelmet above two panelled doors opening to an open hanging section and six slides, block supports,stamped, ROBT PRENZEL, TOORAK ROAD, SOUTH YARRA, EUROPEAN LABOUR ONLY, 131 x 153 x 58 cm.
Leonard Joel
May. 24, 2010
ROBERT PRENZEL(1866-1941) A Blackwood dressing
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
ROBERT PRENZEL(1866-1941) A Blackwood dressing table, with a shaped mirror back, raised on scroll supports above a wide central drawer flanked by four shorter drawers, raised on square tapering supports, stamped ROBT PRENZEL, TOORAK ROAD, SOUTH YARRA, EUROPEAN LABOUR ONLY, 137 x 149 x 55 cm.
Leonard Joel
Oct. 27, 2009
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866 - 1941) THE JANET LADY CLARKE CHAIR
Est: $150,000 - $250,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866 - 1941) THE JANET LADY CLARKE CHAIR the stylized art nouveau Australian chair, carved "in memory of Janet Lady Clarke the First President", surmounted by a domed cover relief carved ' for God and Country ' surmounted by a shield with the stars of the Southern Cross and a crown flanked by sprays of carved wattle, the side panels carved with a possum in an alcove above chamfered arms, the supports modelled as long stemmed Waratah boughs surmounted by flowerheads and leaves on a shaped platform base, the back carved "Founded 1904", the back panel of the seat stamped 'Robert Prenzel Toorak Road South Yarra European Labour only' chalk marks to back further read, in long hand script Australian Womens National League x city 26/1/40 2 stacks Safe on 2A landing sale';
Sotheby's
Oct. 27, 2009
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866 - 1941) AN AUSTRALIAN BLACKWOOD TABLE AND THREE SIDE CHAIRS
Est: $80,000 - $100,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866 - 1941) AN AUSTRALIAN BLACKWOOD TABLE AND THREE SIDE CHAIRS the table with a solid rectangular top, gumnut and leaf decorated above the frieze carved with the dedication 'For God and Country. In memory of Margaret. E. Crocker Third President A.W.N.L. 1922 to 1927. Presented by league Members 1931.' the supports carved as Waratah branches with Waratah flowers and leaves in high relief to each side, the base united by cross stretchers, Impressed signature 'R. Prenzel 'to the base of one leg the set of three chairs in the art nouveau style, each with a serpentine back flanked by relief carved Waratah flowers and leaves, the back with a triple splat above a slatted seat raised on stylised supports, one chair carved with the dedication "In Memory of Marion Booth Hon. Treas. A.W.N.L. 1920 to 1933" underside of the seat stamped 'Robert Prenzel, 30 Red Bluff Street Black Rock"
Sotheby's
Nov. 23, 2008
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) Signed R. Prenzel dated
Est: $20,000 - $25,000
ROBERT PRENZEL (1866-1941) Signed R. Prenzel dated 1919 A rare finely carved Eucalypt faunal panel showing a koala perched in a gum tree amongst leafy branches and gum nuts within a rectangular frame inscribed signature and date the panel 43 x 31cm. Note: The koala is one of the rarest faunal motifs in Prenzel's work. A similar panel to the piece offered here featured on the front cover of Leonard Joel's inaugural Australiana auction on October 17 1988.
Leonard Joel