Gaston Lachaise

Kraushaar Galleries, New York
Acquired by the family of the late owner from the above, 1956

Robert Schoelkopf Gallery (N.Y.), Gaston Lachaise: Twenty Sculptures, exhibition catalogue, New York: Robert Schoelkopf Gallery, 1982, [n. p.], another example illustrated (as Ideal Head, 1923).
John T. Spike, Aspects of Sculpture: The Paul Magriel Collection, exhibition catalogue (exhibition held at the Guild Hall Museum, East Hampton, New York, July 28-September 15, 1985, and three other locations through February 16, 1986), Florence: Centro Di, 1985, pp. 10, 93, no. 82, another example illustrated (as Ideal Head, 192[-]).
Ann E. Berman, "Breaking the Mold," Art and Auction, vol. 13, no. 4, November 1990, p. 252, another example illustrated (as a bust).

overall good condition; dirty surface--a few scattered white spots on top of surface, minor scratches, rubbed areas
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

 Head of Woman, also known as Ideal Head, was derived from the Lachaise's Bust: Elevation (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; V. Budny, "Gaston Lachaise's American Venus: The Genesis and Evolution of Elevation," The American Art Journal, vols. 34-35, 2003-4, pp. 121, 124, 142n. 147, fig. 48), which in turn depends on the sculptor's monumental Woman (Elevation), an icon of early twentieth century modernism modeled in 1912-15 and first cast in 1927 (The Art Institute of Chicago). The subject's closed eyes and tranquil countenance suggest profound concentration.
 Said to be one of six bronze casts made by 1947, the present example of Head of Woman is the only cast from this group that has been located. A projected edition of twelve Estate casts was initiated in 1981 by the Lachaise Foundation, Boston: only one bronze, owned by a private collector, has been made.
 The Lachaise Foundation has given the number LF 140 to Head of Woman.
 We are grateful to Virginia Budny for her assistance in preparing the entry for this work.