Robert Laurent (American, born France, 1890–1970). <em>The Wave</em>, 1926. Alabaster, 13 1/2 × 24 1/2 × 20 in., 200 lb. (34.3 × 62.2 × 50.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Caroline H. Polhemus Fund, 28.275. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 28.275_side_view1_PS2.jpg)

Robert Laurent (American, born France, 1890–1970). The Wave, 1926. Alabaster, 13 1/2 × 24 1/2 × 20 in., 200 lb. (34.3 × 62.2 × 50.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Caroline H. Polhemus Fund, 28.275. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 28.275_side_view1_PS2.jpg)

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The Wave

Robert Laurent

American Art

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

Embracing a subject that corresponded to the natural "life" of white alabaster, the Brooklynite Robert Laurent here worked his design onto the stone surface, almost magically implying the continuation of the forms within the rock mass. In keeping with direct-carving ideals, requiring direct contact with the raw, natural material, he then hand-polished the surface to raise a brilliance and translucency from the naturally chalky stone.

ARTIST Robert Laurent, American, born France, 1890–1970

MEDIUM Alabaster

DATES 1926

DIMENSIONS 13 1/2 × 24 1/2 × 20 in., 200 lb. (34.3 × 62.2 × 50.8 cm) (show scale)

SIGNATURE Incised along bottom edge below proper right hand: "LAURENT"

COLLECTIONS American Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 28.275

CREDIT LINE Caroline H. Polhemus Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Ovoid statue carved into figure of reclining, nude female with head facing upward and body bent back and curled over rock; feet and proper right hand peep out between ribbon-like waves; fish swimming in waves at her back; forms stylized and smoothly polished, rock roughly hewn. Condition: Good.

EXHIBITIONS

American Identities: A New Look

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

CAPTION Robert Laurent (American, born France, 1890–1970). The Wave, 1926. Alabaster, 13 1/2 × 24 1/2 × 20 in., 200 lb. (34.3 × 62.2 × 50.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Caroline H. Polhemus Fund, 28.275. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 28.275_side_view1_PS2.jpg)

IMAGE profile, 28.275_side_view1_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009

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