This is an abstract sculpture by Tony Rosenthal depicts an abstract seated figure playing an abstract harp with three strings. Well known as an abstract sculptor in the 20th century, this piece showcases his unique style. This piece was shown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art when it was part of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science and Art in 1950 (Wikipedia). The piece is signed and dated 1949.
Tony Rosenthal, born in 1914 in Illinois, is widely known for his monumental public art sculptures. He worked with various media including wood, steel, bronze, brass, cement and aluminum. He was first public art commission was in 1939 at the World’s Fair. His works are owned by museums across the world. His prominent public pieces can be seen in New York, California and Indiana.
From the artist’s website:
“Named public art legend by Sam Hunter, emeritus professor of art history at Princeton University and author of Tony Rosenthal, Rizzoli 1999 monograph, Tony Rosenthal created more than 100 public art sculptures in many of the largest U.S. cities. “I like to make public sculptures in which people can participate, that have a functional purpose as well as an esthetic one” Rosenthal told Grace Glueck, art reporter, The New York Times June 27, 1980.”
