Frank Meisler “Standing Camel” Israeli Kinetic Art

Updated September 18, 2026

Frank Meisler (Israeli, 1925-2018), “Standing Camel,” an exceptionally engaging limited-edition kinetic sculpture executed in polished silver-tone metal alloy with richly detailed 24K gold-plated accents, signed and numbered by the artist on the hind leg “Frank Meisler Israel 691/730.” Among the most recognizable of Meisler’s celebrated articulated animal sculptures, the Standing Camel combines the artist’s architectural discipline with theatrical movement, intricate metalwork and characteristic wit, resulting in an object that is simultaneously sculpture, kinetic artwork and virtuoso decorative construction.<br><br>The camel is modeled with remarkable sculptural personality, its elongated neck, powerful legs and expressive head articulated by sharply defined anatomical and ornamental passages. The highly polished silver-tone body is dramatically contrasted by elaborate gold-plated saddle trappings, intricately patterned textile-like panels, suspended gilt bridle ornaments, a warm gold-toned eye and extensive beaded decoration across the mane, chest, back and hump. The saddle bags are conceived as dimensional suspended elements, further heightening the sculpture’s richly engineered character.<br><br>Integral to the work is its kinetic construction. The camel’s head, neck and body components are designed to move independently, transforming what might otherwise have been a static animal sculpture into an animated and highly tactile work. This combination of articulated movement, humor and meticulous craftsmanship became a hallmark of Frank Meisler’s studio production and remains one of the characteristics for which his sculptures are most immediately recognized by collectors.<br><br>Born in Danzig in 1925, Frank Meisler survived the Holocaust after escaping Nazi Europe on the Kindertransport in 1939. Educated in England and trained as an architect at the University of Manchester, he settled in Israel in 1956 and ultimately established his celebrated sculpture workshop in the artists’ quarter of Old Jaffa. His architectural training is evident throughout the present work in its carefully engineered joints, structural complexity, disciplined modeling and sophisticated interaction of separate moving components. Meisler subsequently achieved international recognition through both his intimate limited-edition sculptures and monumental public commissions, including his important series of Kindertransport memorials erected throughout Europe.<br><br>The present sculpture belongs to the documented limited edition of 730 examples and is individually numbered 691/730. The clearly engraved artist signature, Israeli designation and edition number materially enhance its collectability, while its unusually elaborate combination of kinetic articulation, silver-tone metal surfaces, 24K gold-plated ornament and decorative saddle furniture gives the model exceptional visual presence. The Standing Camel occupies an especially desirable position within Meisler’s animal

More lots in this auction

• Yuval Mahler's "The History of Art" Limited Editio
• 41-Card Pokémon TCG Charizard Collection - 2000 Da
• Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935-2012) Reverie, 1994
• Monumental Pair of Abstract Biomorphic Faux Bois R
• Nine ACMLA Historical Cartography Facsimile Maps -
• Daum France Xavier Froissart 1988 Jaguar E-Type XK
• Tie-Feng Jiang - "Freedom Suite: West", Hand-Signe
• Howard Terpning (American, b. 1927) Thunder Speaks

See all lots in October Art & Collectibles- 2-DAY Auction →