Conserving the Past for the Future

A Conservation Tour

Male Torso, 1917: Using Conservation to Respect Artistic Intention


Male Torso
Constantin Brancusi (Romanian, 1876-1957)
Male Torso, 1917
Brass, 46.7 x 30.5 x 16.85 cm
Hinman B. Hurlbut Collection 3205.1937

The Pedestal for the Sculpture


Brancusi's Studio
Brancusi's Studio
CMA Brancusi sculpture <I>Male Torso</I> on its new base
CMA Brancusi sculpture Male Torso on its new base
The wooden pedestal for Constantin Brancusi's Male Torso is not original. In 1985 the museum decided that a wooden base should be made for the display of the sculpture. Using photographs of sculptures and bases in Brancusi's studio and other existing wood bases for other versions of Male Torso sculptures as a guide, an oak base was created. The curator and conservators felt that the contrast of the wood's warmth and grain with the cooler texture and color of the stone base and the polished brass more accurately reflected the appearance the artist intended for this object.


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