Constantin Brancusi, French, 1876-1957, b. Romania
Portrait of Nancy Cunard (also called Sophisticated Young Lady), 1925-1927
Walnut on marble base
24 3/4 x 12 1/2 x 4 3/8 inches (62.87 x 31.75 x 11.11 cm)
Gift of the Hall Family Foundation, acquired from the Patsy and Raymond Nasher Collection, F99-33/3
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Location: Gallery P34
Constantin Brancusi rose from peasant beginnings in Eastern Europe to become one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. He studied art in Bucharest and Paris and, for one month in 1907, worked as August Rodin’s studio assistant. By 1910 Brancusi had arrived at the pure, reductive style that would become his hallmark.
Brancusi’s Portrait of Nancy Cunard captures the essential features of the wealthy, expatriate poet, publisher and socialite he had met in Paris in 1923. Cunard’s slender figure, prominent forehead and receding chin are suggested, as is the chignon atop her head. Through nuance and extreme simplification of form, Brancusi’s portrait of Cunard communicates a spirit and elegance that would not have been possible in a literal translation of her features.
