Lot 440: Frank Hayden (American/Louisiana, 1934-1988),

Frank Hayden (American/Louisiana, 1934-1988), "Bust of a Woman", terracotta sculpture, signed, mounted on a wood base, height 15 1/2 in., overall height 22 1/2 in., width 10 1/2 in., depth 9 in. Note: Frank Hayden is one of Louisiana's preeminent sculptors. He is best known for his public commissions, many of which may be found in churches, synagogues, and banks throughout Baton Rouge. Major works also may be viewed at Louisiana State University, Southern University, and at the Galvez and Riverfront Plazas in downtown Baton Rouge. Hayden was a native of Memphis, TN, and completed his undergraduate studies at Xavier University in New Orleans; he continued at Notre Dame, where he studied with sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright scholarship. Hayden moved to Baton Rouge in September 1961 and was on the faculty at Southern from that time until he was named Southern's first Distinguished Professor in 1986 Hayden's sculptures, made of wood, plaster, fibergla s, or stone, reflect deep spiritual and humanistic concerns including fellowship, family, Christian values, war, and civil rights. Although primarily figurative, his sculptural forms are stylized and often abstracted, and their surfaces are sometimes inscribed with words. Hayden's work does not often appear for sale in the marketplace. About his art, Hayden said, "My art does not recognize a hierarchy of ideas and materials. It simply saturates existence into a significant form. That form has been achieved through long and difficult reflection or drawn from the possibilities and concerns of the moment. In either case, the prospect of beauty is constant and is all that is needed to guide my hand and heart." The Louisiana Art & Science Museum in Baton Rouge recently held an exhibition of Hayden's work.