The charming bronze sculptures of Austrian artist Gottfried Kumpf have become an integral part of Vienna's cityscape, delighting visitors and locals alike with their whimsical presence. From the large elephant at the Natural History Museum to the panda family, lion, and hippos at Schönbrunn Zoo, and the Frog King fountain in Simmering, these rotund and endearing bronze figures continue to captivate audiences even after the sculptor's death in 2022.
Guni Kumpf, the artist's longtime wife and manager, has now compiled and published a comprehensive catalog of her late husband's diverse body of work. The acclaimed sculptor, graphic artist, and painter Gottfried Kumpf (1930-2022) created far more than just animal sculptures, and his widow wanted to showcase the full scope of his artistic legacy. The sculptures at Vienna's zoo have become some of the most popular photo opportunities for visitors, cementing Kumpf's place in the city's cultural landscape.
To honor her husband's memory, Guni Kumpf has collaborated with Dorotheum to make lithographs available alongside a limited-edition luxury volume. The 340-page glossy catalog, published by Amalthea, serves as both a lovingly crafted biography filled with countless images and a comprehensive overview of the artist's work. The high-quality publication presents Gottfried Kumpf's artistic journey in stunning detail.
"I love them all," Guni Kumpf says fondly of the adorable figures. "I have always personally taken care of all of them." Her favorite piece bears her own name: Ballerina Guni, a testament to the personal connection between the artist and his muse. Meanwhile, Gottfried Kumpf's declared favorite figure was "the Antisocial," a seated man wearing a hat who now graces the cover of the catalog as a tribute to the artist's preferences.
The comprehensive volume "Gottfried Kumpf and His Sculptures," published by Amalthea, is available with a lithograph for 260 euros at Dorotheum. This limited edition offers art enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to own both a definitive record of Kumpf's work and an original piece by the beloved Austrian sculptor whose bronze creations continue to bring joy to Vienna's streets and parks.
