Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA. Gift of the artist.
1990.03.001

Portrait Mask of Miriam Stillerman

1988 (Date created)
Bronze
Sculpture
Busts
8.5 in W x 12.5 in H x 7 in D (Object)
3.75 in W x 3.75 in H x 2.875 in D (Other (see measurement notes))
Notes: Base
17.3 cm W x 31.8 cm H x 14.7 cm D (Object)
American
Bronze portrait, likely formed used the lost-wax method, allowing for details such as the cross-hatch marks on the surface of the portrait. Bust attached to the base.
Reminiscent of a mask, Portrait Mask of Miriam Stillerman directly recalls the sitter's unique facial features, and therefore, her unique identity. In observing her lifelike, although frozen expression, one might imagine that words may soon slip from between her parted lips. Historically, portraits have been used to convey a literal representation of the sitter. Media such as painting and photography provide an artist with the freedom to create or modify the sitter's constructed environment, and as a result give context for his or her life. In contrast, subjects crafted in sculpture must occupy the same physical space as the viewer. To combat this inherent limitation, traces of the artist's hand and other creative liberties may become visible. Through these marks, we are reminded that it is the artist who acts as the ultimate creator of identity.
-from exhibition label for Face Value (fall 2012)
In Collection
Anthony Paterson, gift (1988)
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.