Male Torso

1917
(Romanian, 1876–1957)
with base: 63.8 x 30.5 x 19.1 cm (25 1/8 x 12 x 7 1/2 in.)
© Succession Brancusi - All rights reserved (ARS)
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location: On view at Centre national d'art et de culture Georges Pompidou, Paris cedex O4, Mar 27, 2024 - Jul 1, 2024

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Did You Know?

Brancusi studied under Auguste Rodin but left after a few months, commenting: "Nothing can grow under big trees."

Description

Hoping to reveal the "true sense of things," Brancusi mused, "What can sculpture do without?" This sculpture reduces the human form to a timeless, universal essence. The smooth, highly polished brass surface was unusual at a time when most metal sculptures were cast in dull bronze. Not only does the reflective surface unify the parts into one continuous form, but it also dematerializes the sculpture's mass, transforming the figure into a spiritual lightness. Brancusi made three versions of this sculpture: a wood version (Philadelphia Museum of Art) and two in brass (this museum and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden).
Male Torso

Male Torso

1917

Constantin Brancusi

(Romanian, 1876–1957)
France, 20th century

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