Page 319 - The Legacy of Abraham Rothstein - text
P. 319
Studies: animal
96 Lion *
Wood
3.75” x 8”
AR essayed two lions. The stone piece is predictably simple, a
sketchily detailed jungle cat apparently sleeping. The second
king of beasts is carved in low relief on a wooden plaque
whose ends have been cut in parallel S-curves. That
background shape adds movement to and echoes the form of
the animal, which is slinking along, tail down, ears back,
snarling.
21 Elephant
Stone
3.5” x 8”
10 Elephant
Wood
5” x 5.5”
99 Elephant *
Wood
3” x 5.75”
The existence of three pachyderm pieces might indicate AR
found the beast of greater interest, though less accessible as a
model, than any domestic animals. Again, the stone piece is
rudimentary; its short tusks and tiny ears are probably a sign of
the limited technique employed in its execution rather than an
unsuccessful attempt to portray a specifically Indian rather than
African elephant. Of the two wooden pieces, no. 99 is a very
simple rendition, a mere exercise in whittling; while no. 10 is
rather more carefully carved in low relief on an octagonal
plaque, perhaps copied from a pictorial source.
121 Stag (?)
Wood
6 1/8” x 7.5”
315
