David Smith, Europa and Calf, 1956-1957, bronze/poured and hammered on stone base, 11 3⁄8 x 9 5⁄8 x 3 5⁄8 in. (29.0 x 24.3 x 9.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1978.30
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Europa and Calf
- Artist
- Date
- 1956-1957
- Location
- Dimensions
- 11 3⁄8 x 9 5⁄8 x 3 5⁄8 in. (29.0 x 24.3 x 9.3 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase
- Mediums Description
- bronze/poured and hammered on stone base
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Mythology — classical — Europa
- Abstract
- Figure female — nude
- Animal — cattle
- Object Number
- 1978.30
Artwork Description
David Smith poured and hammered drops of molten bronze to build up the abstract shapes in Europa and Calf. The sculpture’s title recalls the Greek myth of Europa, in which Zeus transformed himself into a white bull and kidnapped the young woman while she was gathering flowers. Although this sculpture is abstract, the overall shape resembles a horned creature standing on two legs with something in its arms. The clustered drops of bronze retain their molten shapes, as if the artist had just finished manipulating the hot metal to form this strange figure.
Works by this artist (5 items)
Audio
Stop 156: Europa and Calf
Europa and Calf
1956-1957, bronze/poured and hammered on stone base
DAVID SMITH
Born: Decatur, Indiana 1906– Died: Albany, New York 1965
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