Margarete Markiewicz Turgel (German/France, 20th Century), 1930s, pair of patinated bronzes including "Deer", signed at bottom of belly, on a thin wooden base, overall, h. 7-1/2", w. 5", d. 3-1/2", and "Hedgehog at Rest", signed at bottom and with a Berlin mark, h. 4-5/8", w. 5-1/2", d. 3-1/4". A native of Berlin, Turgel and her husband Siegfried were closely associated with the artistic community which flourished in that city in the 20s and early 30s. In 1933, concerned with the political situation in Germany, the couple fled to France where they lived for the remainder of their lives. A painter and sculptor, Turgel produced silver foil animals which were the prototypes for her cast bronze figures. An early photograph shows the foil figures set against a plain backdrop which slightly distorts their shadows, creating an almost surreal circus. The works presented here, one of which is stamped Berlin, can be dated to before she left Germany. A friend of many of the influential artists of the time, Turgel was often the subject of their work. The great Expressionist Emil Nolde (1867-1956) painted several portraits of her, including one dated 1930 which he inscribed "Strangely Beautiful Woman". The 1931 photo of Turgel by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995) reveals a woman with an intense, penetrating gaze. Little is known of Turgel once she left Germany.