Bessie Stough Callender, Torso, ca. 1930, granite on marble base, 17 1⁄4 x 5 3⁄8 x 4 in. (43.7 x 13.5 x 10.1 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Harold Callender, 1960.8.5
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Torso
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1930
- Location
- Dimensions
- 17 1⁄4 x 5 3⁄8 x 4 in. (43.7 x 13.5 x 10.1 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Harold Callender
- Mediums Description
- granite on marble base
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Figure female — nude
- Figure female — knee length
- Object Number
- 1960.8.5
Artwork Description
Bessie Stough Callender began her art training in New York, where she studied the human figure with George Bridgman, an artist recognized for his knowledge of anatomy. After moving to Paris, Callender joined a life class and created numerous sketches and models of different hands, feet, torsos, and heads. She was inspired by ancient Egyptian sculpture and began carving human figures directly in stone. Callender carved Torso from granite, using smooth curves and simple forms to emphasize the natural rough texture of the stone.