Page 345 - The Legacy of Abraham Rothstein - text

Genre: modern

The branch from which this figure was carved was not really of
sufficient diameter for a parasol proportional to the dimensions
of the woman holding it. As a result, the umbrella came out
rather crude and lumpy. The lady, however, is almost smiling;
out for a stroll on a sunny day (indicated by her short-sleeve
dress with a V-neck and fashionable bias pleats), she appears
completely at ease. The corseted figure (compare the mermaid,
no.16) and shoulder-length hair date the image to pre-World
War I days; the inspiration could have been Fannie Rothstein.
The base is inset, like no. 141, but in this case two tiny feet
protrude—required perhaps to emphasize the promenade
context of the piece.

160 Woman holding a purse
Wood
10.25” x 4.5”

Carved in the triangular-niche format, this woman appears to
be on her way to do some shopping. Her clothes are modern
(separate skirt and blouse), as is her coiffure (short and curled
at the bottom); and she is wearing a necklace (a rare accessory
in AR’s work—he despised ornament). She may be smiling.
The top of the niche is chipped.

57 Standing woman
Wood
19.5” x 5”

As AR relates in his narrative, he enjoyed attending the opera
in his New York days. Despite the rather drab costume of this
figure, it appears to be a prima donna. She has short hair and
wears the minimally-outlined low- cut (front and back) evening
gown AR put on dressy “modern” women. Her hands are
clasped at her abdomen and her head is tilted back slightly, as if
in mid-aria. Her mouth is not open, but that is true of almost
every one of his pieces (the Cossack, no. 9, being a notable
exception).

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