Head of Robert Schwarzenbach

Copied William Zorach, Head of Robert Schwarzenbach, ca. 1930, marble, 16 1⁄2 x 9 1⁄4 x 10 5⁄8 in. (41.9 x 23.5 x 27.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.150

Artwork Details

Title
Head of Robert Schwarzenbach
Artist
Date
ca. 1930
Location
Dimensions
16 1⁄2 x 9 1⁄4 x 10 5⁄8 in. (41.9 x 23.5 x 27.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait male — Schwarzenbach, Robert — head
Object Number
1968.154.150
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.154.150

Artwork Description

William Zorach used the direct carving method to create this portrait head of Robert J. F. Schwarzenbach, president of a silk-manufacturing company and Swiss consul general. Schwarzenbach commissioned several sculptures from Zorach in the 1920s, but did not think this portrait was a good likeness. This reaction typified Zorach’s experiences with commissioned portraits, which frustrated him because, as he said, “if you are honest and sincere, you insult so many people.”