Anna Petrus sculpture

This rare lion sculpture was designed in 1926 by Anna Petrus and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Cast in pewter, the piece exemplifies the Swedish Grace period’s blend of neoclassical influence and early modernist abstraction. The lion is depicted standing, with exaggerated musculature and a voluminous mane formed from rounded cone-like shapes. Its facial features are boldly stylized with geometric lines and a wide, expressive mouth, lending the sculpture both decorative complexity and a commanding sculptural presence.

The pewter surface shows a natural aged patina, featuring darkened recesses and a silvery sheen on raised areas. The form is compact yet substantial, reflecting both an artistic interpretation of the animal and a decorative sculptural approach that balances fine art with functional design.

Anna Petrus was a pioneering Swedish sculptor and designer of the early 20th century. Trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, she collaborated with manufacturers like Näfveqvarns Bruk and Svenskt Tenn. Her work is recognized for strong, stylized forms and the integration of sculpture into everyday objects. The lion motif became one of her signature contributions to Swedish design, gaining international attention through exhibitions in the interwar years.

Svenskt Tenn, established in 1924 by Estrid Ericson, was instrumental in shaping Swedish decorative arts during the 1920s and 1930s, promoting the Swedish Grace style. Petrus’ collaboration significantly influenced the company’s early aesthetic, combining bold design with high-quality craftsmanship.

The sculpture is in very good condition, with minor surface marks and a natural patina consistent with its age. It stands as a distinguished example of Swedish Grace, where artistic form and applied decorative art converge.

The dimensions are 18 cm wide, 11 cm deep, and 15 cm high (approximately 7.1 x 4.3 x 5.9 inches).