Walker Hancock, Torso, 1927, limestone, 15 3⁄4 x 11 1⁄4 x 8 1⁄4 in. (40.0 x 28.5 x 21.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1983.29
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Torso
- Artist
- Date
- 1927
- Location
- Dimensions
- 15 3⁄4 x 11 1⁄4 x 8 1⁄4 in. (40.0 x 28.5 x 21.0 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of the artist
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- limestone
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Figure male — nude
- Figure male — torso
- Object Number
- 1983.29
Artwork Description
In 1925, Walker Hancock won the coveted Prix de Rome, which gave him the opportunity to study at the American Academy in Rome. While in Italy, he created this piece from Abruzzi limestone, carving directly into the stone without the use of a clay model. The twisted pose of Torso defines the figure’s muscles, conveying an unmistakable strength and energy. Hancock appears to have borrowed the pose from a figure of a god found on the pediment of the Parthenon.