Lot 235: Doris Caesar, (American/New York, 1892-1971), "Vision", patinated bronze, h. 25", w. 10", d. 8"

Doris Caesar
(American/New York, 1892-1971)

"Vision"

patinated bronze
on a self-base. Together with receipt and letters from E. Weyhe, Inc., Gallery, New York, New York.
h. 25", w. 10", d. 8"

Provenance: Purchased in 1959 from E. Weyhe, Inc., Gallery, New York, New York; Estate of Carolyn G. Fay, Houston, Texas.

Literature: This model is illustrated #36 in Wehye Gallery, New York, Exhibition Catalogue "Doris Caesar 1927-1957".

Other Notes: A precocious talent, Doris Caesar began her artistic studies at the age of 16 under George Bridgman (1865-1943) at the Art Students League in New York. She was to later receive instruction from the Russian American sculptor Alexander Archipenko (1887-1964). Caesar's earliest works were slightly abstracted explorations of the nude female form, mainly composed of clay. In 1927, after casting her first bronze piece, she approached the influential Weyhe Gallery in New York City, which specialized in modern and expressionist art. The Gallery Director was immediately enthralled by the young artist and her work, and thus began an association which was to last decades.

Inspired by German Expressionism, especially the work of Kathe Kollwitz (1867-1945), Caesar began to experiment with the human form. Her textural figures became elongated, with intentionally distorted and exaggerated limbs. This new approach was immediately popular with collectors and critics alike. Her work was included in numerous exhibitions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.

Reference: Hayes, Bartlett. Doris Caesar, 1927-1957. Weyhe Galley, New York, 1957; Whitney Museum of American Art, "1957 Annual Exhibition Catalogue".