Collection Spotlight: Marie Zimmermann’s Heron

This striking cast bronze work by metalworker Marie Zimmermann (1879-1972) is one of the newest additions to the Two Red Roses Foundation’s collection, and is now on display at MAACM. The exquisite cast bronze Heron, c. 1920-1930, joins other metalworks and jewelry by the artist in TRRF’s collection.

One of her prized possessions, Heron stayed on Zimmermann’s desk until her death, at which time it passed to Ida Egil, her lifelong companion and caretaker. With its impressive desktop stature at 14-inches tall, the elegantly sculpted heron stands amongst lily pads and a lotus flower incense burner, extending the composition almost as long as it is tall. Fusing Egyptian revival and Japanism, Zimmermann’s Heron brings together these popular design aesthetics of the time into one singular form.

Marie Zimmermann is known for her striking metalwork and jewelry designs during the early twentieth century. Studying at the Art Students League, the National Arts Club, and the Pratt Institute, by 1914, Zimmermann was settled in her studio producing metal bowls and vessels in addition to jewelry.

Following the stock market crash in 1929, Zimmermann survived on commissioned work, much of which was executed in wrought iron. She quietly retired in the late 1930’s but kept her studio open mainly to reset and repair items, not create new works. Later, Zimmermann moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, where she died on her ninety-third birthday.