Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a photographic photography by Gaston Lachaise. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1918 photograph by Gaston Lachaise depicts a sculpture of a woman in a flowing robe, posed with one leg bent and hands on hips, set against a dark background to accentuate the subject's elegance.
Subject & Meaning
The sculpture portrays a female figure in a graceful, contrapposto stance, conveying sophistication and refinement through its draped robe and poised demeanor.
Technique & Style
The photograph's dark background and highlighting of the light-colored sculptural material (likely marble or stone) emphasize the subject's form, reflecting Lachaise's sculptural emphasis on elegance and naturalism.
History & Provenance
The photograph was part of a survey response submitted to William Kineton Parkes, a novelist and art historian, in the 1920s. It was later bequeathed to the collection as part of Parkes' donation in 1938, mounted on a green card.
Context
Created during Lachaise's period of exploring the female form, this work aligns with his broader artistic focus on naturalistic and elegant representations of women, influenced by his sculptural practice.
Legacy
As part of Parkes' collection and through its association with Lachaise, the photograph provides insight into early 20th-century sculptural practices and the networks between artists and art historians of the time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gaston Lachaise was a French-born sculptor, active in America in the early 20th century.
