Page 310 - The Legacy of Abraham Rothstein - text

Studies: human

where each nationality is (or was) identifiable by small but
significant differences in clothing and hair style. The key to
interpreting the geographical and social locus of AR’s figures
may rest on such subtle distinctions.

130 and 132 are both simple studies of a bearded man’s head,
broader at the base. These stone wedges sit solidly without
brace or base. No. 132 is better done, however, suggesting a
later effort. Its form is quite effective, the bottom-heavy shape
bestowing additional gravity to the solemn expression of the
face. No. 133, an almost spherical head, is possibly the piece
identified by David Rothstein as a portrait of Einstein. Like the
other stone heads, it is very simply rendered; the cheekbones
are high, and facial hair is limited to a mustache. Without that
anecdotal appellation, this carving would not have suggested
anyone in particular.

27 Head of a woman
Stone
8.25” x 4”

31 Head of a woman
Stone
10.75” x 6.25”

AR seems to have felt considerably less compelled to carve
anonymous female heads than male. Only these two can safely
be considered in this category, compared to fourteen in the
other. No. 27, very sketchily detailed, appears to be wearing a
shawl with a comb underneath. She smiles pleasantly, leaving
the viewer to wonder about her identity—if any.

By contrast, with earrings and short hair, no. 31 represents the
“modern” sort of female about whom AR expressed a variety
of feelings (see narrative and reminiscences). Perhaps
appropriately, she has no particular facial expression. AR
probably spent as much time on the carefully worked circular
base as on the rest of the piece.

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