Georg Gaul German animal sculptor Date of Birth: 22.10.1869 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Education
2. Artistic Development in Berlin
3. Influence of the Berlin Secession
4. Personal Life and Family
5. Iconic Masterpiece: "Fighting Bison"
6. Collaborations and Recognition
7. Legacy and Lasting Impact

Early Life and Education

August Gaul, a renowned German animal sculptor, was born in Großauheim, Germany, on October 21, 1869. The son of stonemason Philipp Gaul, August began his artistic education at the age of 13 at the art school in Hanau. After completing his studies there, he spent two years working in a silver factory before enrolling at the Berlin Academy of Arts in 1888 under the patronage of his teacher, Alexander Weisse.

Artistic Development in Berlin

In Berlin, Gaul continued his studies under the renowned sculptor Alexander Calandrelli. He became a regular visitor to the Museum of Applied Arts, where he studied exotic animals and made extensive life drawings. From 1894 to 1898, Gaul worked in the studio of Reinhold Begas, where he participated in discussions on the design for the Kaiser Wilhelm I monument.

Influence of the Berlin Secession

In 1898, Gaul co-founded the Berlin Secession, an association of artists that included Max Liebermann and Walter Leistikow. This group sought to promote modern art and challenged the conservative artistic establishment.

Personal Life and Family

In 1900, August Gaul married Clara Hertel, and they had two daughters, Katharina and Charlotte, and a son, Karl Peter.

Iconic Masterpiece: "Fighting Bison"

In 1912, Gaul created his seminal work, "Fighting Bison," a sculptural composition that was installed in front of the East Prussian Supreme Court building in Konigsberg (now Kaliningrad). The sculpture symbolized the struggle between prosecution and defense and remains a landmark in the city today.

Collaborations and Recognition

Gaul collaborated with the renowned Berlin art dealer Paul Cassirer and counted Heinrich Zille and Ernst Barlach among his close friends. He declined an offer to become a senator at the Berlin Academy of Arts, believing that he could pursue his artistic endeavors without official status.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

August Gaul's works are displayed in his hometown of Hanau and other cities, including Berlin and Kaliningrad. His sculptures capture the essence of animals with a remarkable degree of realism and dynamic expression. Gaul died in Berlin on October 18, 1921, from cancer and was buried in the Dahlem Cemetery. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.