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Standing at almost 6 feet high, Woman with a Bowl, 1954, is one of Frank Dobson’s most monumental sculptures. Dobson initially began his career as a painter, before focusing predominantly on sculpture from 1921, after service in the First World War. Dobson was one of the most revered artists of his generation and in the 1920s became regarded as one of the leading avant-garde sculptors of the day. During this time, Dobson was at the heart of many of the leading artistic movements. In 1920, he was the only sculptor to exhibit alongside Wyndham Lewis’ Group X, was a founding member of the London Artists' Association, spent three years as President of the London Group (1923-27). Dobson was greatly promoted by Roger Fry and Clive Bell and enjoyed international acclaim, exhibiting at the Venice Biennale in 1924 and in 1926, the 1925 Tri-National Exhibition which travelled to London, Paris and New York and the European artist’s exhibition that toured America and Canada in 1926. He later became Professor of Sculpture at the Royal College of Art (1946-53) and in 1953 was elected to the Royal Academy.
Dobson’s main preoccupation, and the subject that he become best-known for, is the female nude. Seen to powerful effect in the present work, Dobson creates a work that is both contemporary and has a classical and timeless quality. Celebrated for his simplified forms and harmonious lines, which spoke equally of the African Art and the work of Aristide Maillol that inspired him, Dobson created a unique sculptural vernacular. This purity of aesthetic was celebrated by Fry, who described his work as, 'true sculpture and pure sculpture’, stating that it was ‘almost the first time that such a thing has been even attempted in England'.
Post Lot Text Artist's Resale Right Regulations 2006 apply to this lot. You must pay us an extra amount equal to the resale royalty and we will pay the royalty to the appropriate authority. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.
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Condition report
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Concrete, unique. On close inspection there is some surface dirt, particularly in the crevices. There tone of the surface is slightly uneven, consitent with being displayed outside. Subject to the above the work appears to be in very good overall condition.
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Lot 97Sale 18872
Woman with a BowlFRANK DOBSON (1886-1963)Estimate: GBP 70,000 - 100,000
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