Naum Aronson Russian, 1872-1943

The marble is in very good condition, however the marble exhibits overall surface dirt, very minor inclusions and small 1cm. red discolouration on top of head (easily removed).
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Naum Aronson was a Jewish sculptor born in Kieslavka, Ukraine. He travelled to Paris to study at the École des Arts Décoratifs and subsequently joined Rodin's workshop as a stone carver. He exhibited in Berlin in 1901 and at the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, of which he became a member in 1909, until 1938. Aronson had an exhibition in Paris at Galerie Decour in 1926. He represented the Soviet Union with a bust of Lenin in their pavilion at the 1937 Paris Exposition Universelle and in 1940 emigrated to New York to escape Nazi persecution.

The present marble is typical of Aronson's early work which refers to the stylised visual language of both symbolism and Art Deco, tempered with a naturalism of his own. Aronson used his skill as a carver to infuse his subjects with a subtle emotionalism. This pensive girl can be compared to Aronson's 1902 Grief in the Russian State Museum. There two nudes are used to convey a sense of gentle melancholy.

RELATED LITERATURE
Bénézit, vol. 1, p. 467