Study for Head of Moses

Copied William Zorach, Study for Head of Moses, ca. 1950, unfired ceramic, 9 346 127 38 in. (24.816.618.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.161

Artwork Details

Title
Study for Head of Moses
Date
ca. 1950
Dimensions
9 346 127 38 in. (24.816.618.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar
Mediums
Mediums Description
unfired ceramic
Classifications
Keywords
  • Study — sculpture model
  • Religion — Old Testament — Moses
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.