Joel Elenberg Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Joel Elenberg Art Value Price Guide

May. 26, 2024
Joel Elenberg (Australian 1948-1980) "Hands and Eg…
Est: $500 - $1,000
Joel Elenberg (Australian 1948-1980) "Hands and Egg" mixed media signed and dated 70' lower right, 50 x 32 cm, provenance Australia Galleries 1970's, private collection Brighton
Amanda Addams Auctions
Mar. 09, 2024
ELENBERG Joel (1948-1980), Untitled - Sculptural Forms, Photolithograph 2/70, 105x75.5cm (sheet)
Est: $200 - $400
ELENBERG, Joel (1948-1980) Untitled - Sculptural Forms Photolithograph 2/70 105x75.5cm (sheet)
Davidson Auctions
Jan. 21, 2024
Joel Elenberg 1948-1980. Sculptors Garden. Lithograph on Archers paper. Artists Proof, Signed lower right. 100cm*71cm
Est: $600 - $900
Joel Elenberg 1948-1980. Sculptors Garden. Lithograph on Archers paper. Artists Proof, Signed lower right. 100cm*71cm
Christian McCann Auctions
Nov. 21, 2023
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Anna (1979) bronze and black Belgium marble, edition 5 of 6, plus 2 artist's proofs 83.5 cm high
Est: $250,000 - $350,000
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Anna (1979) bronze and black Belgium marble, edition 5 of 6, plus 2 artist's proofs signed and inscribed 'Joel Elenberg / ANNA / 5/6' on base 83.5 cm high PROVENANCE Joel Elenberg, Melbourne Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane Private Collection, Brisbane, acquired from the above LITERATURE Joel Elenberg: Marbles and Bronzes, Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane, 30 November 1979, no. 7, illustrated
Smith & Singer
Aug. 23, 2023
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Mask 1 (1978) black Belgium marble 55 cm high (including base)
Est: $350,000 - $450,000
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Mask 1 (1978) black Belgium marble 55 cm high (including base) PROVENANCE Joel Elenberg, Melbourne Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney Private Collection, Sydney, acquired from the above Martin Browne Fine Art, Sydney Private Collection, Sydney, acquired from the above Important Australian Art, Sotheby's Australia, Melbourne, 20 April 2010, lot 87, illustrated Private Collection, Sydney, acquired from the above EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg: Stone Carving 1977-1978, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney, 10-28 October 1978, no. 10, illustrated 20th Century Australian and New Zealand Painting, Martin Browne Fine Art, Sydney, November 1993, no. 63, illustrated LITERATURE Joel Elenberg: Stone Carving 1977-1978, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney, cover (illustrated), n.p. (illustrated) Sandra McGrath, 'Truth - In Marble', The Weekend Australian Magazine, Sydney, 20-21 February 1982, p. 8 (illustrated)
Smith & Singer
Jun. 28, 2023
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980), Family I c1973
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Family I c1973 Carrara marble, black marble and granite 150.0 x 27.0 x 27.0 cm
Menzies
May. 18, 2023
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 1980) Untitled mixed media on paper laid on canvas 151.5 x 90.5 cm (frame: 155 x 94 x 7 cm) signed lower right...
Est: $600 - $800
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 1980) Untitled mixed media on paper laid on canvas 151.5 x 90.5 cm (frame: 155 x 94 x 7 cm) signed lower right | inscribed verso "for Tony White"
Lawsons
Mar. 30, 2023
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, colour screenprint, endorsed "A/P" lower left and signed lower right, 118 x 78cm. (sheet size).
Est: $300 - $500
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, colour screenprint, endorsed "A/P" lower left and signed lower right, 118 x 78cm. (sheet size). Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Nov. 16, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Head VI (1976) bronze and wood
Est: $60,000 - $80,000
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Head VI (1976) bronze and wood signed 'ELENBERG' on base 17 x 32 x 24 cm; 115 cm high (including plinth) PROVENANCE Joel Elenberg, Melbourne Australian Galleries, Melbourne Private Collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above on 22 April 1977 EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg, Australian Galleries, Melbourne, 8-22 March 1977, no. 11
Smith & Singer
Nov. 16, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Woman I (1975) Carrara marble
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Woman I (1975) Carrara marble 63 x 28 x 36 cm PROVENANCE Joel Elenberg, Melbourne Australian Galleries, Melbourne Australian Paintings, Leonard Joel, Melbourne, 6 November 1980, lot 530, 'Carrara Woman', illustrated Private Collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg: Marble Sculpture and Related Drawings, Australian Galleries, Melbourne, 28 October - 11 November 1975, no. 5
Smith & Singer
Apr. 12, 2022
§ JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Torso (1975) Carrara marble
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
§ JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Torso (1975) Carrara marble 34.7 x 51.7 x 29.8 cm; 142.4 x 51.7 x 29.8 cm (including plinth) PROVENANCE Joel Elenberg, Melbourne Martin Sachs, Melbourne, acquired from the above Private Collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg: Marble Sculpture and Related Drawings, Australian Galleries, Melbourne, 28 October - 11 November 1975, no. 8
Smith & Singer
Apr. 10, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1972
Est: $200 - $400
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1972 etching signed, dated and editioned on margin: Joel Elenberg 72 6/7 25.5 x 29.5cm PROVENANCE Gift from the artist to Wendy Lea, thence by descent EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg, Ewing Gallery, Melbourne, March, 1973
Gibson's
Apr. 10, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1968
Est: $400 - $600
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1968 mixed media on paper signed and dated lower right: Joel Elenberg 68 58.5 x 40cm PROVENANCE Gift from the artist to Wendy Lea, thence by descent
Gibson's
Apr. 10, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1968
Est: $400 - $600
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1968 mixed media on paper signed and dated lower right: Joel Elenberg 1968 58.5 x 36.5cm PROVENANCE Gift from the artist to Wendy Lea, thence by descent
Gibson's
Apr. 10, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1968
Est: $500 - $800
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1968 mixed media on paper on board signed and dated lower centre: Joel Elenberg 1968 90 x 58.5cm © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate PROVENANCE Gift from the artist to Wendy Lea, thence by descent
Gibson's
Apr. 10, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1968
Est: $400 - $600
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1968 mixed media and methylated spirits on paper laid down on board signed and dated lower right: Joel Elenberg 1968 78 x 62.5cm © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate PROVENANCE Gift from the artist to Wendy Lea, thence by descent
Gibson's
Apr. 10, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Rubicon River 1973
Est: $500 - $800
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Rubicon River 1973 watercolour signed and dated lower right: Joel Elenberg 73 100.5 x 75.5cm EXHIBITED Australian Galleries, Melbourne, 1973, cat. no. 30
Gibson's
Apr. 10, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1969
Est: $700 - $1,000
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Untitled 1969 oil on canvas signed and dated lower right: Joel Elenberg 1969 114.5 x 89.5cm © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate PROVENANCE Gift from the artist to Wendy Lea, thence by descent
Gibson's
Mar. 31, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980), Head III 1978
Est: $120,000 - $180,000
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Head III 1978 black Belgian marble 43.0 cm height (including base) unique signed and dated to base: ELENBERG/ 78
Menzies
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) What a piece of work is man, oil on canvas, 102 x 77cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) What a piece of work is man, oil on canvas, 102 x 77cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist. © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Untitled, watercolour, crayon and wash on card, 75 x 100cm
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Untitled, watercolour, crayon and wash on card, 75 x 100cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist. © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, Screenprint, signed 'Joel Elenberg' lower right; inscribed 'Rubicon' lower centre; editioned '21/70' lower left, 100 x 77cm, Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Est: $300 - $500
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, Screenprint, signed 'Joel Elenberg' lower right; inscribed 'Rubicon' lower centre; editioned '21/70' lower left, 100 x 77cm, Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Untitled, marble on marble base, raised on a custom-built steel base, engraved "ELENBERG" on side, height: 62cm, width: 71cm, height of base: 75cm. (overall height: 137cm)
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Untitled, marble on marble base, raised on a custom-built steel base, engraved "ELENBERG" on side, height: 62cm, width: 71cm, height of base: 75cm. (overall height: 137cm) Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist. © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Untitled, stone sculpture on carved wooden base, overall height 161cm.
Est: $5,000 - $7,500
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Untitled, stone sculpture on carved wooden base, overall height 161cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist. © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Kiss, stone sculpture on wooden base, height 28cm (with base: 43cm), width: 42cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Est: $2,500 - $5,000
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Kiss, stone sculpture on wooden base, height 28cm (with base: 43cm), width: 42cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist. © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, colour screenprint, endorsed "A/P" lower left and signed lower right, 118 x 78cm. (sheet size).
Est: $300 - $500
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, colour screenprint, endorsed "A/P" lower left and signed lower right, 118 x 78cm. (sheet size). Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, ink and wash, titled, signed and dated '73 at lower left, 101 x 76cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Est: $800 - $1,200
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, ink and wash, titled, signed and dated '73 at lower left, 101 x 76cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist. © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-80), untitled, copper plate engraving, signed and dated '73 lower right, endorsed "To Martin" lower left, 25 x 19.5cm (image). Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Est: $300 - $500
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-80), untitled, copper plate engraving, signed and dated '73 lower right, endorsed "To Martin" lower left, 25 x 19.5cm (image). Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Mar. 08, 2022
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, ink and wash, titled, signed and dated '72 at lower left, 101 x 66cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.
Est: $800 - $1,200
JOEL ELENBERG (1948 - 80) Rubicon, ink and wash, titled, signed and dated '72 at lower left, 101 x 66cm. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist. © Joel Elenberg. Courtesy of the Joel Elenberg Estate
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Dec. 05, 2021
ELENBERG Joel (1948-1980), Untitled - Sculptural Forms, Photolithograph 2/70, 105x75.5cm (sheet)
Est: $300 - $500
ELENBERG, Joel (1948-1980) Untitled - Sculptural Forms Photolithograph 2/70 105x75.5cm (sheet)
Davidson Auctions
Dec. 05, 2021
ELENBERG Joel (1948-1980), Sculptural Forms, 1977., W/Clr, 77x56.5cm
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
ELENBERG, Joel (1948-1980) Sculptural Forms, 1977. Signed & dated verso: 'Joel Elenberg, '77, Italy. W/Clr 77x56.5cm
Davidson Auctions
Oct. 03, 2021
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Study for sculpture 1970
Est: $400 - $800
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Study for Sculpture 1970 oil on canvas with collage signed and dated lower right: Joel Elenberg 70 40 x 51cm
Gibson's
Nov. 18, 2020
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Anna (1979) bronze and black Belgian marble, edition of 6, plus 2 artist's proofs
Est: $220,000 - $280,000
JOELELENBERG 1948-1980 Anna (1979) bronze and black Belgian marble, edition of 6, plus 2 artist's proofs signed and inscribed 'Joel Elenberg A.P. / ANNA' on base; stamped with Fonderia Artistica Mariani, Pietrasanta foundry mark on base 83.5 cm high (including base) PROVENANCE Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne Private Collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg: Marbles and Bronzes, Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane, 30 November 1979, no. 7, illustrated (another version)
Smith & Singer
Oct. 11, 2020
Joel Elenberg (1948-1980) Study, 1975
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Joel Elenberg (1948-1980) Study, 1975 signed and dated lower right: 'Joel Elenberg / 75' watercolour and pencil on paper 121.0 x 80.0cm (47 5/8 x 31 1/2in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Oct. 11, 2020
Joel Elenberg (1948-1980) Figure III, 1977 height: 86.0cm (33 7/8in).
Est: $18,000 - $25,000
Joel Elenberg (1948-1980) Figure III, 1977 steel height: 86.0cm (33 7/8in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Oct. 11, 2020
Joel Elenberg (1948-1980) Mask 3, 1979 88.0 x 65.0 x 24.0 cm (34 5/8 x 25 9/16 x 9 7/16in).
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
Joel Elenberg (1948-1980) Mask 3, 1979 incised with initials to the lower reverse: JE numbered to the lower reverse: 1/6 stamped with Fonderia Mariani Pietrasanta foundry mark to the lower reverse: 'FONDERIA M Italy' bronze and black Belgian marble 88.0 x 65.0 x 24.0 cm (34 5/8 x 25 9/16 x 9 7/16in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Jun. 24, 2020
§ JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Animal Head II (1975) Buchan marble, unique 40 x 57 x 30 cm
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
§ JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Animal Head II (1975) Buchan marble, unique 40 x 57 x 30 cm PROVENANCE Australian Galleries, Melbourne Private Collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above in 1981 Institution, Victoria, gift from the above Important Australian Art, Sotheby's Australia (now trading as Smith & Singer), Sydney, 23 November 2016, lot 51, illustrated Private Collection, Perth, acquired from the above EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg: Marble Sculpture and Related Drawings, Australian Galleries, Melbourne, 28 October - 11 November 1975, no. 3
Smith & Singer
Jun. 24, 2020
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Mask C (1980) bronze (brown patina) and black Belgian marble, edition of 6, plus 2 artist's proofs 104 (incl..
Est: $120,000 - $160,000
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Mask C (1980) bronze (brown patina) and black Belgian marble, edition of 6, plus 2 artist's proofs signed and inscribed 'Joel Elenberg A.P.' on base 104 (including base) x 47 x 24 cm PROVENANCE Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne Private Collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg: Sculpture, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney, 16 February - 6 March 1982, no. 13 (another version)
Smith & Singer
May. 24, 2020
ELENBERG Joel (1948-1980), 'Autumn Water,' 1973., Ink & W/Clr, 99x73cm
Est: $300 - $500
ELENBERG, Joel (1948-1980) 'Autumn Water,' 1973. Ink & W/Clr 99x73cm
Davidson Auctions
Mar. 12, 2020
Attributed to Joel Elenberg (1948 - 1980) - Untitled, 1975 (Nude Studies) 121.5 x 80 cm
Est: $800 - $1,200
Attributed to Joel Elenberg (1948 - 1980) Untitled, 1975 (Nude Studies) ink and wash 121.5 x 80 cm signed and dated lower right
Lawsons
Jun. 20, 2019
JOEL ELENBERG, RUBICON SERIES 3, WATERCOLOUR, 118 X 78CM
Est: $500 - $700
JOEL ELENBERG, RUBICON SERIES 3, WATERCOLOUR, 118 X 78CM
Leonard Joel
Jun. 20, 2019
JOEL ELENBERG, RUBICON SERIES 1, WATERCOLOUR, 118 X 78CM
Est: $500 - $700
JOEL ELENBERG, RUBICON SERIES 1, WATERCOLOUR, 118 X 78CM
Leonard Joel
Jun. 20, 2019
JOEL ELENBERG, RUBICON SERIES 2, WATERCOLOUR, 118 X 78CM
Est: $500 - $700
JOEL ELENBERG, RUBICON SERIES 2, WATERCOLOUR, 118 X 78CM
Leonard Joel
Jun. 16, 2019
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Fish and Lilies, 1973
Est: $800 - $1,200
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980) Fish and Lilies, 1973 mixed media on paper on board signed and dated lower right, Joel Elenberg 73 99.5 x 74.5 cm Condition Report Some rub marks/discolouration to the paper surface along the lower edge otherwise the work appears to be in good condition. The frame has some scuffs, scratches and some touch up paint around the rim. A little dirty, could use a clean. Structurally sound. All statements by Gibson’s in the catalogue entry for the property or in the condition report, or made orally or in writing elsewhere, are statements of opinion and are not to be relied upon as statements of fact. Such statements do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Gibson’s of any kind. References in the catalogue entry to the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance only and should be evaluated by personal inspection by the bidder or a knowledgeable representative. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Estimates of the selling price should not be relied on as a statement that this is the price at which the item will sell or its value for any other purpose. Neither Gibson’s nor The Seller is responsible for any errors or omissions in the catalogue or any supplemental material.
Gibson's
Apr. 09, 2019
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Mask D (1980) bronze (brown patina) and black Belgian marble, edition of 6, plus 2 artist's proofs 90 x 54 x..
Est: $100,000 - $140,000
JOEL ELENBERG 1948-1980 Mask D (1980) bronze (brown patina) and black Belgian marble, edition of 6, plus 2 artist's proofs inscribed 'AP2 Fonderia / M / Italy' on base 90 x 54 x 23 cm PROVENANCE Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne Private Collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above EXHIBITED Joel Elenberg: Sculpture, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney, 16 February - 6 March 1982, no. 16 (another version) LITERATURE Sasha Grishin, Accounting for Taste: The Lowensteins Arts Management Collection, Macmillan Art Publishing, Melbourne, 2013, p. 269 (illustrated)
Smith & Singer
Mar. 28, 2019
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980), Head III 1978
Est: $100,000 - $140,000
JOEL ELENBERG (1948-1980), Head III 1978 black Belgian marble 43.0 cm height (including base) unique signed and dated to base: ELENBERG/ 78 Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney Private collection, acquired 1980 Private collection, Melbourne, since 1997 Joel Elenberg: Stone Carving 1977-1978, Italy-Australia, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney, 10 - 28 October 1978, cat.6 (illus.) Portraits, Crucifixions (a Paddock at) Oberon, Crucifixions, Portraits of Joel Elenberg and Portraits of Patrick White, Robin Gibson Gallery at Reid Gallery, Sydney, 26 April - 17 May 1980
Menzies
Mar. 05, 2019
Joel Elenberg (1948-80) Australia - Rubicon #
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Joel Elenberg (1948-80) Australia - Rubicon
Colville Auctions
Nov. 28, 2018
JOEL ELENBERG, (1948 – 1980), MAKIKO, 1980, bronze with black Belgian marble base
Est: $150,000 - $200,000
JOEL ELENBERG, (1948 – 1980), MAKIKO, 1980, bronze with black Belgian marble base SIGNED: signed at base: Joel Elenberg DIMENSIONS: 76.0 cm height including base PROVENANCE: Private collection, Sydney, acquired directly from the artist ESSAY: Undoubtedly one of the most remarkable aspects of Joel Elenberg’s artistic evolution is that he only embraced the medium of sculpture four years before his untimely death at the age of 32. Disillusioned with the contemporary sculpture scene which he believed ‘had fallen into disrepute with too much welding, fibre-glassing and clay,’1 Elenberg traveled to Italy in 1976 to pursue the ancient tradition of carving marble – gravitating towards the stone for its timelessness and tactility, but also because ‘it was difficult and in Australia it was unexplored’.2 Upon his pilgrimage to Carrara, Tuscany – the home of marble sculpture since Michelangelo’s time – the young Antipodean thus discovered a whole village of carvers, artists and Italian masons who for generations had been cutting, carrying and chiseling blocks for some of the world’s greatest monuments. As he gleaned their skills and techniques, Elenberg developed such empathy with these local artisans that he subsequently chose them to complete his final sculptures. Certainly, that marble was ‘difficult’ or posed a considerable challenge for the young sculptor is an understatement. The art of carving was all but lost, the materials were expensive and the very act of chiseling required a strength which Elenberg – in the beginning – did not possess. Perhaps most fundamentally however, whether pursuing the medium of stone or bronze, there was the psychological barrier; modern sculpture in particular had become an intimidating art form. As Elenberg elucidated at the time, ‘People today seem to equate sculpture with a capital S. Most people think of a sculpture as large abstract steel works against big buildings. I wanted to bring it back to a personal level…’3 With its impeccable elegance and daring simplicity, Makiko, 1980 illustrates well how successfully Elenberg reintroduced a sense of intimacy back into contemporary sculpture. Betraying strong stylistic affinities with the streamlined female heads of European modernists such as Matisse, Picasso and Brancusi (who in turn were influenced by the aesthetics of African tribal sculpture), indeed the work offers an exquisitely beautiful example of Elenberg’s achievements. In a similar vein to the work of Brancusi especially, any accumulation of detail is here radically rejected to create a pure and resonant form of timeless, classical proportion. Moreover, that the bronze has been polished to sensuous perfection creates an underlying conflict between medium and form that not only echoes the work of his artistic predecessor, but perhaps reflects Elenberg’s own, self-confessed dual personality – the soft and the lyrical with the tough and intellectual. Revealing Elenberg’s enduring fascination with ancient votive sculpture, the complex tactile qualities of bronze and more universally, the ‘majesty of man’, thus Makiko encapsulates superbly the artist’s late oeuvre which was so widely acclaimed at the time of its inaugural exhibition that one critic was prompted to remark, ‘…Elenberg has the whole Sydney art world eating out of his hand!’.4 Without question, it is Elenberg at his finest – dignified, serene and always mysterious. 1. Brett Whiteley cited in McGrath, S., ‘Truth – in marble’, The Weekend Australian Magazine, 20 – 21 February 1982, p. 8 2. Elenberg cited in Joel Elenberg: Stone Carving: 1977-78, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney, October 1978, unpaginated 3. Elenberg cited in McGrath, S., ‘Marble star’, The Weekend Australian, 14 – 15 October 1978, p. 6 4. ibid. VERONICA ANGELATOS
Deutscher and Hackett