MUNSTEINER; BERND
1943 M鰎schied
Gemstone Image.
Germany; signed and dated on lower right: BM 1982.
Total weight: 2;75kg. Framed 54 x 54cm. Brasilian agate; 17;5 x 10;8cm.

From Munsteiner's series 'Landscape'. The motif suggests a mountainous landscape with two groups of people. Even though a certain figurative quality cannot be denied; neither landscape nor people are distinctly recognisable. As the observer's imagination is set free to create its own image; an agate in relief becomes the surface for projections of the mind.

Munsteiner's works fall in line with the long-standing tration of lapidary art practiced in Idar Oberstein. Already his father and grandfather used to work primarily with agate. Munsteiner was thus highly versed in handeling the material; although he also aspired to discovering innovative approaches to cutting agate in relief. To this end Munsteiner invented a tool ('Korundstrahlgebl鋝e') allowing for the penetration of the material in steps.Art trade; Van Ham.