Ernst Fuchs & Joseph F. Askew: Sculpture 'Tree of Life', bronze version

The 'Tree of Life' by Fuchs and Askew It was a request to Ernst Fuchs that triggered the creation of the 'Tree of Life': Originally, the sculpture was to serve as an award for people all over the world who have rendered outstanding services to the preservation of forest areas. When the first sketches were finally completed, the client cancelled his commission. Fuchs decided to complete the artwork anyway and asked Askew to help him realise it. In the end, so many joint ideas flowed into the sculpture that it is now considered a joint work. The 'Tree of Life' combines ecological ideas with the mythological-fantastic motifs so typical of both artists. The primal symbol of fertility and abundance of life already appears in ancient oriental art and pervades art history throughout antiquity. It is even a frequently appearing motif in Indian art. As a symbol celebrating life (and in the Christian interpretation since the Middle Ages also: the resurrection), it has fascinated artists of all times - even modern ones, just think of Klimt's famous realisation in the Stoclet frieze. Fuchs and Askew remain figurative and concrete in their Tree of Life: a female torso grows out of the trunk as a symbol of the maternal, life-giving, surrounded by rich foliage.ars mundi exclusive edition in three versions: Version made of fine bronze, cast using the lost wax technique, with an antique green patina and partially polished. Limited world edition of 299 copies, numbered and signed. Size 30 x 42 x 11 cm (W/H/D). Weight 7.4 kg.