Charles Malfray (1887-1940) - Lot 202

Charles Malfray (1887-1940) Crouching Torso, 1930 Terracotta Signed (on front) "Malfray". 42.5 x 45 x 36 cm In 1930, Charles Malfray created Le Torse accroupi, a discreet tribute to Rodin's Iris messagère des dieux. He used a marcottage - a technique much favored by Rodin - from Femme assise s'essuyant le pied, created in 1928. From this massive, inward-looking figure, he creates a wide-open composition, tilting her bust back, removing her head and legs, and veiling her nudity. This play on form and structure allows the sculptor to give the work a heroic grandeur. The Crouching Torso is available in two sizes, 16 cm and around 40 cm high. Related literature Jacques de Laprade, ibid, p. 10, 27, pl. XIV - Charles Malfray 1887-1940 sculpteur, ibid.