Pflanzengriffel (Pistil)
- Artist
- Jean Arp (also Hans Arp), Alsatian, 1886–1966, French (born Germany), 1886–1966
- Date
- 1950
- Material
- Pink limestone
- probably made in
- Clamart, Île-de-France region, France, Europe
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Collection
- Modern and Contemporary Art
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- irregular: 33 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 12 in. (85.1 x 39.4 x 30.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Morton D. May
- Rights
- © Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, NY / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn
- Object Number
- 654:1958
NOTES
The undulating contours of this sculpture suggest a female figure in motion. Beginning in the 1920s, Jean Arp produced sensuous, organic forms that hover between figuration and abstraction. The title of this work references the female reproductive organ found in a flower and highlights the sexual undercurrent of Arp’s work. Arp was closely linked with the Surrealists in Paris and affirmed that “it is reason developed to excess that man has to thank for his being a grotesque and ugly character.”
Provenance
- 1958
Morton D. May and Margie Wolcott May, St. Louis, MO
1958 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [1]
Notes:
[1] Letter from Morton D. May to Charles Nagel dated December 12, 1958, confirming gift of sculpture to the Museum [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 11, 1958. Both sources list Morton D. May as donor, with no mention of his wife, Margie Wolcott May. However, see [1].
Morton D. May and Margie Wolcott May, St. Louis, MO
1958 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [1]
Notes:
[1] Letter from Morton D. May to Charles Nagel dated December 12, 1958, confirming gift of sculpture to the Museum [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 11, 1958. Both sources list Morton D. May as donor, with no mention of his wife, Margie Wolcott May. However, see [1].
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