RICHMOND BARTHÉ (1901 - 1989) Black Boy (Head of Boy).
Painted plaster, with bronze-like patina, on a walnut base, circa 1929-31. 191 mm; 7½ inches high (not including base). 305 mm; 12 inches high (with base). Incised artist's signature on the backside of the head.
This small plaster head is a very good example of an early work by Richmond Barthé. In similar heads and busts, Barthé demonstrates a great sensitivity and expressiveness on a small scale. A Head of Boy is listed in the Harmon Foundation's 1935 exhibition at Delphic Studios, which included 19 sculptures by the artist. Reynolds/Wright pl. 11, p. 158; Vendryes p. 53.
