Bronze
France, 20th century
Jacques Lipchitz (1891-1973) – French sculptor
Incised signature on base ‘Lipchitz’ with thumbprint
Stamped with foundry mark on base, Luigi Tommasi, Pietrasanta
From the estate of the artist’s wife, Berthe Lipchitz
Dimensions: 9 ½ in. (24.1 cm.) tall on ¾ in. (1.9 cm.) wooden base
Very good condition

Emanating with a strong sense of masculine movement, this bronze sculpture by Cubist sculptor Jacques Lipchitz features entangled abstract figures in a variation on the rape of the princess Europe by the Roman god Jupiter. Having taken the form of white bull, Jupiter induces the princess to climb upon his back, making for the sea to the island of Crete where he consummates his passion. The process of the casting process is clearly evident, as the bronze forms retain the malleability of clay.

Executed in the twentieth century, this bronze sculpture is incised on the base with the artist’s signature and thumbprint. It is stamped with the foundry mark, Luigi Tommasi. The sculpture measures 9 ½ inches tall on a ¾ inch wooden base. Surface dirt, otherwise good condition.

Jacques Lipchitz (French, 1891-1973)

Born Chaim Jakob Lipchitz in Druskininkai, Lithuania, Jacques Lipchitz changed his name in 1909 upon moving to Paris and enrolling at the École des Beaux-Arts. There he encountered fellow artists Archipenko, Rivera and Picasso, becoming considerably influenced by the Cubist circles he was associated with. Between 1915 and 1925 the artist created Cubist sculptures, whose forms are reduced to block-like elements and are partly colored. Lipchitz’s first solo exhibition was held in 1920 at the Galerie Léonce Rosenberg, Paris. From the 1950s on, Lipchitz's work was honored with numerous exhibitions and awards including retrospectives in New York and Minneapolis. Lipchitz took part at "documenta" in Kassel (1959 and 1964). Lipchitz also received numerous important public commissions both in the US and Israel, including "Peace on Earth", a nearly 15 meter high bronze sculpture, unveiled in Los Angeles in 1969.