Page 373 - The Legacy of Abraham Rothstein - text

Fantastic and allegorical figures

artistic and moral force, similar in impact to “Osmosis”, the
drunkard metamorphosed into a bottle (no. 15).

The model for an image of imperial powers confronting each
other over the entire earth is an etching by James Gillivray,
“The plumb-pudding in danger: - or - State Epicures taking un
Petit Souper”. The antagonists in that trenchant political
artwork are William Pitt and Napoléon Bonaparte. It cannot be
doubted that AR knew that image and adapted it for his
contemporary exposition of Mutual Assured Destruction.

106 The Man in the Moon *
Wood
11.75” x 4.25”

AR carved this droll relief on an octagonal plaque scalloped on
one side to follow the concave edge of the lunar crescent. The
smiling old man with laughter-lines around his eyes is portrayed
almost in three-quarters profile, the upturned lips particularly
well-executed (compared to AR’s other happy faces).

141 Double-fronted woman
Wood
9.75” x 8”

This curious carving has a ¾” hole drilled through its center:
did AR plan to make it into a lamp base? The two smiling
females on either side share one pair of arms, which are raised
above their heads and hold a flat, round basket-like object. The
piece has the feel of a Grecian urn, thanks to the ladies’
costume details: short sleeves, V-necks, and scallops at the hem
and belt. The circular base is inset below the bottom of the
garment, obviating the need for feet.

152 Man with bass viol
Wood
21.75” x 6.5”

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