Karl Hagenauer Accordionist Austria 1930s Art Deco

Circa 1930, the Karl Hagenauer Accordionist embodies the exquisite craftsmanship of Werkstatte Hagenauer in Austria. Carved from luxurious painted wood and accentuated with nickel-plated brass, this piece is a testament to the Art Deco style of the era. Marked with the initials WHW and the signature “Atelier Hagenauer Wien, Made in Vienna Austria,” it showcases the period’s artistic flair. It highlights the skilled artisans of the renowned Hagenauer workshop.

Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Karl Hagenauer Accordionist captures the essence of Art Deco aesthetics.  Its marked authenticity with WHW and the atelier’s signature further cements its provenance, making it a remarkable piece from the golden age of Austrian design. The overall condition is original and in a very good state.

Carl Hagenauer founded the Hagenauer firm in Austria in 1898. His son Karl became the head of the company in 1928 after studying with Joseph Hoffman and winning bronze and silver medals at the 1925 Paris Exposition. His work was prolific, including many “useful objects” such as mirrors, cigar cutters, bookends, and hood ornaments. He produced humorous and playful figures as well as highly stylized ultra-modern sculptures. He managed Hagenauer Werkstatte until he died in 1956.

His younger brother, Franz, focused more specifically on sculpture, often drawing from African art as his inspiration. His long life ( 1906-1986  ) provided him with a long career, and many of the most elegant Hagenauer pieces can be attributed to Franz.  Though Karl and Franz produced many animal pieces, beautiful female forms were a specialty of Franz’s. Spanish dancers, models, mythical goddesses, and African natives were sources for his design.