Baboon

Copied Bessie Stough Callender, Baboon, ca. 1930, limestone, 26 x 16 1⁄8 x 13 7⁄8 in. (66.0 x 41.8 x 35.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Given as a memorial to the artist by her husband, Harold Callender, 1951.11.3

Artwork Details

Title
Baboon
Artist
Date
ca. 1930
Location
Dimensions
26 x 16 1⁄8 x 13 7⁄8 in. (66.0 x 41.8 x 35.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Given as a memorial to the artist by her husband, Harold Callender
Mediums
Mediums Description
limestone
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — monkey
Object Number
1951.11.3
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1951.11.3

Artwork Description

Bessie Stough Callender’s work was greatly influenced by the closed geometric forms of ancient Egyptian art. In Baboon, Callender carved different textures into the limestone to give the form depth and visual interest. The baboon’s face is smooth and his features are marked with sleek lines and cutouts. The intensity of the sculpture is centered in the baboon’s imposing brow, where the contoured limestone shadows fierce, intelligent eyes.