BACK TO MODERNISM

CONSTANTIN BRANCUSI
(Rumanian, 1876-1957)

Mademoiselle Pogany, 1913
Polished bronze
Bequest of Mrs. Mabel Hussey Degen 1954.16

One of the most innovative and influential artists of the early twentieth century, Constantin Brancusi created sculptures in which natural forms were reduced to their most basic, geometric shapes. This portrait bust depicts Mademoiselle Margit Pogany, a young Hungarian woman who met Brancusi while she was studying painting in Paris. Although her features are simplified greatly, the sculpture still conveys the essence of her appearance-from her delicate nose and almond-shaped eyes, to the smooth dark hair she wore pulled back in a bun. Brancusi returned repeatedly to the subject of Mademoiselle Pogany over the course of his career, depicting her in both bronze and marble and simplifying her features each time.