Torso

Copied 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

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
Mediums Description
granite on marble base
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure female — nude
  • Figure female — knee length
Object Number
1960.8.5
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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.