Lot 119

Private collection, Melbourne

Tina Haim-Wentcher remains a rare and significant figure whose artistic journey from Constantinople to Australia deeply shaped her unique style. She began training at a private art school in Istanbul, where she developed a strong foundation in classical traditions. Her practice was further refined in Paris, and received notable recognition from Auguste Rodin, affirming her growing talent. Whilst exhibiting her works were acquired by numerous esteemed galleries and museums in Berlin, including a bust of the artist and sculptor Käthe Kollwitz to the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.

In 1931 Tina and her husband, painter Julius Wentscher, travelled in the Far East. Social and artistic success, followed by warnings about the worsening position of World War II, convinced the Wentscher's to postpone their return to Berlin. They held exhibitions, collected curios and accepted commissions in Indonesia, China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Their works were bought for public and private collections but many did not survive World War II.

In 1940, Tina and Julius sought refuge in Australia, settling in Melbourne. Tina adapted quickly to her new life and joined the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors. Despite her eminence among early modernist sculptors, Tina never developed as an artist beyond what she had achieved in her Asian works, which was radical to Australian eyes. Her commissions in Australia were generally small-scale plaques and busts. Unlike male modernist sculptors, she did not receive public recognition, though she found many advocates among her peers.

Childless and predeceased by her husband, Tina died 1974 at 87 years of age. The Association of Sculptors of Victoria named a prize in her memory and examples of her works are represented in numerous major institutions across Australia. In 2017 the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park celebrated Tina's life with an exhibition of her works.

Hannah Ryan
Senior Art Specialist