Water Carrier

Hugo Robus, Water Carrier, 1956, bronze on wood base, 38 ¹⁄₄ x 7 ⁷⁄₈ x 11 ⁷⁄₈ in. (97.3 x 20.0 x 30.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Hugo Robus, Jr. in memory of his father, 1968.135

Artwork Details

Title: Water Carrier
Artist: Hugo Robus
Date: 1956
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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3rd Floor
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W310
Dimensions: 38 ¹⁄₄ x 7 ⁷⁄₈ x 11 ⁷⁄₈ in. (97.3 x 20.0 x 30.3 cm.)
Credit Line: Gift of Hugo Robus, Jr. in memory of his father
Mediums: wood
bronze
Mediums Description: bronze on wood base
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Occupation — domestic — water carrier
Figure female — full length
Object Number: 1968.135
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.135

Artwork Description

In Water Carrier, Hugo Robus sculpted a jug in place of the figure's head because he wanted to explore the similarities between the woman's body and the vessel. Robus was influenced by prehistoric representations of women, which emphasize certain body parts such as the head, the breasts, and the womb to make symbolic, rather than anatomically correct, portraits. He adapted these ancient forms to create Water Carrier, enlarging the figure's stomach and doing away with her right arm, as well.