Head I
Artist
Libenský, Stanislav
(Czech, 1921 - 2002)
Artist
Brychtová, Jaroslava
(Czech, 1924 - 2020)
Date1994
OriginCzech Republic
MediumKiln-cast glass
Dimensions14 1/2 × 6 × 4 1/4 in. (36.8 × 15.2 × 10.8 cm)
ClassificationsGlass
Credit LineGift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
Object number2017.81
Label TextStanislav Libenský (Czech, 1921–2002; Artist);
Yaroslava Brychtová (Czech, born 1924)
Head I
Cast glass, designed 1957–1958, cast 1994
Gift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
This abstract sculpture is an early example of the pioneering work in cast glass by Libenský and Brychtová. Two criteria informed their exploration: the inherent capabilities of glass to transition from transparency to translucency, imparting subtle color changes in transmitted light, and the possibility to create large sculptures that were complementary to architectural settings.
Brychtova’s father, the sculptor and teacher Yaroslav Brychta, had been experimenting with a mold-casting technique for small figurines since 1932 that became distinctive for Czech glass casting. In their studio in Želesný Brod, Libenský and Brychtová increased the scale of works made by slowly melting larger chunks of glass in mostly open molds, a process that could take weeks to complete.
The sculpture, inspired by contemporary abstract painting, sculpture, and tribal art, was introduced to an American audience in the groundbreaking traveling exhibition “Glass ’59.”
Status
On view
