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
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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
- Subjects
- Portrait male — Schwarzenbach, Robert — head
- Object Number
- 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.”