256 - Sculptor of Classical Modernism, Standing Female Nude, large cast-iron sculpture with a black patina

Sculptor of Classical Modernism, Standing Female Nude, large cast-iron sculpture with a black patina Nude of a young woman with her hair tied back, arms held close to her body and standing firmly on the ground with strong feet; cast iron, black patina, height 55 cm On cast iron: Cast iron experienced its first heyday in the late 19th century; the Royal Foundry in Berlin is particularly famous. At the time, iron was regarded as a modern, ‘patriotic’ material and was a more affordable, yet artistically equally sophisticated, alternative to expensive bronze. Molten pig iron is poured into a pre-made mould (often made of sand). Once cooled, the figure is finished. Pure iron oxidises on exposure to the air, which is why the sculptures were almost always blackened or given a dark patina using soot, graphite or linseed oil to protect the material. In the 20th century, many artists sought to move away entirely from classical bronze and found a challenge in rough, industrial materials. In this female nude, the softness and curves of the female body contrast with the hard, dark and heavy material of iron, which is what gives this artwork its very special appeal.