Cleo Hartwig (American, 1907-1988), Modernist Dove Sculpture

Circa 1970, marbelite plaster dove mounted to black plaster plinth, inscribed "C HARTWIG" to underside of tail.

7 3/4 x 9 x 4 1/2 in.

Cleo Hartwig took her subject matter from her experiences as a youth in rural Michigan. She often carved infant animals and germinating plants from wood or stone. These sculptures of eggs, seeds, and chrysalises capture a sense of energy and the promise of life. Hartwig attended Western Michigan University, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the International School of Art. In 1951 she married sculptor Vincent Glinsky, a founding member of the Sculptors Guild in Manhattan. Hartwig taught sculpture at the Montclair Art Museum from 1945 to 1971.

Bio courtesy of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art.

Scattered light surface marks; minute nicks to tail; scattered light crazing.