William Zorach, Study for Head of Moses, ca. 1950, unfired ceramic, 9 3⁄4 x 6 1⁄2 x 7 3⁄8 in. (24.8 x 16.6 x 18.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.161
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Study for Head of Moses
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1950
- Location
- Dimensions
- 9 3⁄4 x 6 1⁄2 x 7 3⁄8 in. (24.8 x 16.6 x 18.8 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- unfired ceramic
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Religion — Old Testament — Moses
- Study — sculpture model
- Object Number
- 1968.154.161
Artwork Description
Study for Head of Moses is one of William Zorach’s many biblical portrait heads. Zorach was raised in the Jewish faith, and although he did not belong to an organized religion after childhood, he believed in a universal spirit that permeated all living things. Zorach gave Moses a stern expression to convey his “power and authority of revelation.” Study for the Head of Moses was the basis for a larger head of the prophet that was purchased and given to Columbia University, where it was displayed in the interdenominational center.