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Bacchanale

1917
(American, 1887–1966)
America, 20th century
bronze
without base: 172.7 x 137.2 cm (68 x 54 in.)
Weight: approx. 2000 lbs
In memory of Julia K. Dalton by her nephews, George S. Kendrick and Harry D. Kendrick 1943.384
Location: ET East Terrace
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Did You Know?

A second version of this life-size sculpture was installed in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, where it was destroyed during the Second World War.

Description

While visiting London, sculptor Malvina Hoffman was electrified by a dance performance featuring Anna Pavlova and Mikhail Mordkin, two highly acclaimed Russian ballet stars. Together the dancers presented a bacchanale, a work inspired by the legendary followers of Bacchus, the ancient Roman god of wine. In this uninhibited and erotically charged piece, both dancers cavorted on stage, their movements accented by grasped veils of gauze. Hoffman’s Bacchanale is her vibrant interpretation of the performance, capturing a fleeting moment in permanent form.
Bacchanale

Bacchanale

1917

Malvina Hoffman

(American, 1887–1966)
America, 20th century

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