Dancing Figure

Elie Nadelman, Dancing Figure, ca. 1916-1918, bronze on marble base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Countess Helen Naselli in memory of Harry Wardman, 1972.168
Copied Elie Nadelman, Dancing Figure, ca. 1916-1918, bronze on marble base, 31 5⁄8 x 13 7⁄8 x 11 7⁄8 in. (80.4 x 35.3 x 30.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Countess Helen Naselli in memory of Harry Wardman, 1972.168
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Artwork Details

Title
Dancing Figure
Artist
Date
ca. 1916-1918
Location
Dimensions
31 5⁄8 x 13 7⁄8 x 11 7⁄8 in. (80.4 x 35.3 x 30.2 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Countess Helen Naselli in memory of Harry Wardman
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze on marble base
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure female — full length
  • Performing arts — dance
Object Number
1972.168
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.168

Artwork Description

This sculpture, titled Dancing Figure, was also titled Artemis, representing the Greek goddess of the hunt and the dawn. Elie Nadelman’s irreverent depiction of this deity as a common dancer shows how he tried to combine the look and themes of classical sculpture with American popular culture. For example, the sculptor combined ancient Greek motifs, such as the dancer’s wavy hair and almost masklike face with a modern pleated dress and theatrical pose. Nadelman shared the belief of mathematicians and physicists that waves were the most beautiful shapes, so he created Dancing Figure entirely out of curves, including the repeating flutes of her dress, the bands around her head and ankles, and her small fingers and feet.