Water Carrier

Copied Hugo Robus, Water Carrier, 1956, bronze on wood base, 38 1⁄4 x 7 7⁄8 x 11 7⁄8 in. (97.3 x 20.0 x 30.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Hugo Robus, Jr. in memory of his father, 1968.135

Artwork Details

Title
Water Carrier
Artist
Date
1956
Location
Dimensions
38 1⁄4 x 7 7⁄8 x 11 7⁄8 in. (97.3 x 20.0 x 30.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Hugo Robus, Jr. in memory of his father
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze on wood base
Classifications
Subjects
  • Occupation — domestic — water carrier
  • Figure female — full length
Object Number
1968.135
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.135

Artwork Description

In Water Carrier, Hugo Robus sculpted a jug in place of the figure's head because he wanted to explore the similarities between the woman's body and the vessel. Robus was influenced by prehistoric representations of women, which emphasize certain body parts such as the head, the breasts, and the womb to make symbolic, rather than anatomically correct, portraits. He adapted these ancient forms to create Water Carrier, enlarging the figure's stomach and doing away with her right arm, as well.