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About the House of Gold
House of Gold History
While Cybis rarely recognized individual artist's contributions by acknowledging who sculpted a particular work, a few were actually published while others became known through various channels. The Madonna House of Gold was a sculpture created by a freelance artist, who in turn sold it to Boleslaw Cybis. Cybis modified it and put it into production as a Cordey china sculpture. The exact date Boleslaw acquired the sculpture is not known, but the artist who created it is known. Harry Burger was a talented sculptor who created and sold his designs to various studios. The picture of him below is from 1959, during an event for Lenox China, as it is marked, "Photo taken by Frank J. Langer, Advertising Department-Lenox, Trenton, NJ". Burger obviously created the Madonna well before 1953, as it was entered into the Cordey product line before Cybis began promoting "Religious Art Pieces". Some Biblical/Religious sculptures marked Cybis were released as early as 1947 (six years before Cybis was incorporated). It seems odd this Madonna was released as a Cordey product, as opposed to a Cybis product. Therefore, it's possible it was created by Burger and sold to Cybis as early as 1947. The underside of the base was incised with the Cordey signature and design number 4149. It was heavily modified to look like other Cordey items with thick lace, gold trim and attached roses. There is no doubt this piece continued in production during the time Cordey and Cybis were produced in tandem at the Church Street studio, as the example in the picture here is dual marked with both the Cordey and Cybis marks. This is a clear indication the Madonna was being transitioned to the Cybis product line as Cordey was being phased out.
The name, "Madonna House of Gold", is the name assigned to the piece as a Cybis sculpture. Studio literature indicates the Madonna was released in 1957. The studio went through a transitional phase in 1957 moving from the use of china to the use of porcelain in casting all sculptures. The introduction date should not be taken as the date the molds for this Madonna were first used, but rather the date the Cybis studio released this mold in the "House of Gold" design as a Cybis porcelain product. In 1957 it was likely the Madonna transitioned to porcelain, was mounted on a walnut base and given the new name "House of Gold". Subsequently, the design was again revised adding the crown, as later pieces are all found to have.
The Madonna House of Gold has one of the most intriguing histories of all Cybis sculptures. It is one of only a few identified to have been produced as both a Cordey china sculpture and as a Cybis porcelain sculpture. It is known to have at least ten (10) variations and possibly more. One last item to note is Cordey china sculptures are generally much heavier than the Cybis porcelain sculptures. China has a dense composition which makes it heavier than porcelain. Because the majority of Cybis pieces were issued attached to the walnut base, the actual weight of the porcelain is difficult to determine. Cybis porcelain pieces not originally on a base (or items having been removed from a base) are noticeably lighter.
Harry Burger at a Lenox event in 1959
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Burger's Madonna with incised Cordey mark prior to 1957
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Old Coin Gold as a Primary
Variations in the Old Coin Gold sculptures
Two sculptures of the same design show how the production life cycle often evolved.
Two sculptures of the same design show how the production life cycle often evolved.
Two sculptures of the same design show how the production life cycle often evolved.
Two sculptures of the same design show how the production life cycle often evolved.
Two sculptures of the same design show how the production life cycle often evolved.
During the production process it was frequently necessary to modify sculptures. This usually happened after several copies had been sold. Problems in production, firing, packing and shipping dictated such changes. Here we see a minimal color variation where the newer piece on the left has less gold accenting around the base. This could have been an artist's oversight or a cost saving decision as 24k gold liquid paint was used in this process. We also see the bottom of the base was changed to accommodate a different way of attaching the porcelain to the wooden base. Both utilized toggle bolts to attach the sculpture to the base.
Two sculptures of the same design show how the production life cycle often evolved.
Showing detail in gold accents.
Showing detail in gold accents.
Showing detail in gold accents.
Showing detail in gold accents.
Showing detail in gold accents.
Variation in bottom of bases.
Variation in bottom of bases.
Showing detail in gold accents.
Variation in bottom of bases.
House of Gold - Parian white
Parian White (bisque)
As one of the later editions, this all white bisque copy has the crown and is mounted on a walnut base. The House of Gold Madonna was offered in several finishes, with a number of documented variations through the 50's and 60's. As spectacular as the color variations were, the all white Parian porcelain sculpture on the walnut base, showcases the translucent brilliance of the Parian bisque. The soft lines and subtle features of this piece bring the sculpture to life in a unique way, as anyone beholding the Mother and Child see new detail often hidden by color.
Displayed with other variants, this piece, while soft and muted, takes on a pureness Cybis enthusiasts embrace when collecting or adding the all white Parian sculptures to a collection. Whether displayed alone, with other Parian white pieces or among other decorated items, this House of Gold commands attention.
While the cost to acquire an all white Parian sculpture was less than its color counterparts, the workmanship noted on the white copies was without flaw. The studio went to great lengths to ensure quality control measures were adhered to and enforced on every item. However, with the all white Parian copies extra care was given to ensure perfection as non-painted surfaces had to be perfect. A buyer purchasing an all white Parian sculpture received the best craftsmanship Cybis offered.
Old Coin Gold as Primary with Crown
Yet another variation with the crown
This item was offered for sale at the studio in Trenton as the House of Gold Madonna in the Old Coin Gold as a Primary finish with the crown. It is also observed the base Mary sits on is a lighter color (not the dark green as seen on other Old Coin Gold pieces). It is likely there were many other variations created in different finishes, with bases and crowns.
