Head of Robert Schwarzenbach

William Zorach, Head of Robert Schwarzenbach, ca. 1930, marble, 16 129 1410 58 in. (41.923.527.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.150

Artwork Details

Title
Head of Robert Schwarzenbach
Date
ca. 1930
Dimensions
16 129 1410 58 in. (41.923.527.1 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.”

Works by this artist (2 items)

Faith Ringgold, The Bitter Nest, Part II: The Harlem Renaissance Party, 1988, acrylic on canvas with printed, dyed and pieced fabric, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1997.18, © 1988, Faith Ringgold
The Bitter Nest, Part II: The Harlem Renaissance Party
Date1988
acrylic on canvas with printed, dyed and pieced fabric
Not on view

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Gene Davis, Micro-Painting, ca. 1966-1968, acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Florence Coulson Davis, 1996.104.159
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Gene Davis, Micro-Painting, ca. 1966-1968, acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Florence Coulson Davis, 1996.104.142
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Louse Point Reverie
Date1991
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