Robert Prenzel Germany, Australia, 1866-1941

Robert Prenzel was born in Elling in Prussia in 1866 He began his career as a wood carver at the age of 14 years in Munich where he worked for four years, studying the art of design, group placing and massing effects for light and shade. He then spent four years working and touring Europe. In 1888 Robert Prenzel visited Melbourne to view the Centennial International Exhibition and remained there to establish himself as a cabinet maker and wood carver. Prenzel commenced his work in Australia with carvings in his highly elaborate and individual version of the German Renaissance and Rococo Revival styles, working on such major projects as the carving of the ceiling and walls of the west wing of St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. Prenzel also travelled to the Western District of Victoria on several occasions, and would carve elaborate staircases from the local blackwood timber. His carving of Australian flora was exact in many instances, and sufficiently accurate botanically for the species depicted to be easily identified. Prenzel did at times however, adapt his designs in the interest of artistic balance. Prenzel became very interested in the subjects of his Australian carvings and at his home his garden had a comprehensive collection of native plants which he would use to assist him in his work.

The total number of works by Robert Prenzel offered for sale by auction since 1973 is 25, of which 17 (68%) were sold. The highest price recorded for the artist is $18,600 for Drawing Room Easel 1902 sold by Deutscher~Menzies in March 2004. No works have been offered for sale this year, and the last sale we have recorded for the artist was in 2017. Works by Robert Prenzel are held by the National Gallery of Victoria, Ian Potter Museum of Art and a further three major public national galleries (see list below).