Sculpture by 20th century Austrian sculptor Gerda Iro / Gottstein, aka 'Gerdago'

Gerda Iro Gottstein, known professionally as Gerdago, was an Austrian sculptor and costume designer.

She was born in Vienna in 1906 and received her artistic training in Berlin and Paris in the late 1920s. In the early 1930s, Gerdago began designing Art Deco statuettes. Her figures are characterized by their dramatic poses, bold costumes, and intricate detailing. She often used cold-painted enamel and gilding to decorate her works.

Gerdago's statuettes were very popular during the Art Deco period, and she was considered to be one of the leading artists of the genre. Her work was exhibited in galleries and museums all over the world. In the early 1930s, Gerdago also began working as a costume designer for film and theater. She designed costumes for over 80 films during her career, including the popular Sissi trilogy starring Romy Schneider.

Gerdago survived the Holocaust, but her career was interrupted by more... the war. After the war, she resumed her work as a costume designer and sculptor. She continued to design costumes for films and theater, and she also created new sculptures. Gerdago died in Vienna in 2004 at the age of 98. Her work is still highly sought-after by collectors, and her statuettes can be found in museums and galleries around the world. less...