1. Barbara Hepworth Sculpture – Orpheus (Maquette 1) 1956

Barbara Hepworth – Orpheus (Maquette 1)

A brass and braided string figure titled ‘Orpheus (Maquette 1) on a cubic wooden block stand, 52.4cm high overall

‘Orpheus (Maquette 1)’ refers to the musician and poet in Greek mythology who was symbolised by the lyre with which he produced a spellbinding sound that instilled harmony in the world. It reflects Hepworth’s revived interest in ancient mythology following a trip to Greece in 1954. This work, from an edition of 8 maquettes for the kinetic sculpture, Theme on Electronics (Orpheus), was conceived in 1956 as a commission for the electronics company, Mullards Ltd.”

Dame Jocelyn Barbara Hepworth (January 10, 1903 – May 20, 1975), an English artist and sculptor, is considered one of the greatest sculptors of the twentieth century and one of the few female artists of her generation to achieve international prominence. Her works are in major collections worldwide, including the Tate, the Hepworth Wakefield, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Provenance.  This particular piece was acquired directly from Hepworth by Maurice & Ruth Ash of Dartington Hall.  Eldest and only daughter of the Elmhirsts, Ruth married Wimbledon competitor and army veteran Maurice Ash in 1947. The couple spent the early years of their marriage in Essex, where Ash founded the Harlow Arts Trust. They returned to Devon in 1962, moving to Sharpham House on the River Dart. Both Maurice and Ruth served as trustees of Dartington, with Maurice also serving as chairman ”

Consigned with Jethro Marles, Orpheus (Maquette 1) was sold to benefit the Charities Aid Foundation(CAF) for philanthropic purposes.