Man Ray, Herma, 1975, bronze on wood base, 14 1⁄8 x 4 5⁄8 x 3 1⁄8 in. (35.8 x 11.7 x 7.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Juliet Man Ray, 1983.105.5
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Herma
- Artist
- Date
- 1975
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 14 1⁄8 x 4 5⁄8 x 3 1⁄8 in. (35.8 x 11.7 x 7.9 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Juliet Man Ray
- Mediums Description
- bronze on wood base
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Abstract
- Figure female — nude
- Object Number
- 1983.105.5
Artwork Description
The distorted figure of Herma was originally carved in 1919 from marble. In Greek mythology, a herma or herm is a primitive fertility statue of the Greek god Hermes. Man Ray emphasized fertility and the female anatomy by exaggerating the woman’s rounded stomach and thighs. The title of this piece and the way the artist chose to carve the figure without complete arms and legs evokes an archaic sculpture that has been ruined by time.