Another obscure name that deserves greater recognition, Hildo (Hildebrand) Krop was the preeminent sculptor of the Dutch "Amsterdam School" a stylistic melange of Art Nouveau and Art Deco that was peculiar to Holland. Mixing Futurism, Modernism and Symbolism, the Amsterdam School is perhaps one of the most underrated expressions of 20th century design. Seen in design mediums as varied as teacups to council flats, it was an expressive style that transferred to all areas. Some of the best examples can be seen in the Tuschinski Theatre in Amsterdam and the Het Schip estate buildings on the outskirts of the same city. Hildo Krop made both small scale artworks such as bronzes but also contributed architectural elements to municipal buildings. His often grotesque interpretations of human and animal forms have a nightmarish but fascinating quality to them, and bear little relation to any of his European contemporaries. We currently have a plaster head for sale that is unsigned but certainly exhibits many Krop characteristics.
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