Author: HOFFMAN, MALVINIA
Title: A Sculptor's Odyssey
Description: London: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1936. First Edition. Original cloth. With maps on endpapers detailling Malvinia Hoffman's voyage around the world & maps & plates. Top edge gilt. Deckle-edged. First and last few pages and pages surrounding plates foxed or somewhat foxed. Fore edge foxed. Stain to fore edge some pages, not affecting text. Some plates somewhat creased. Spine, covers & corners worn & somewhat soiled. Binding somewhat shaken. This copy has obviously seen better days, but appears to be a fascinating book by an interesting female artist. ; Malvina Cornell Hoffman (June 15, 1885 – July 10, 1966) was an American sculptor and author celebrated for her expressive works and contributions to ethnographic art. Born in New York City to Richard Hoffman, a pianist and composer, and Emelia Smith Hoffman, she grew up in a culturally rich environment that nurtured her early interest in the arts. At 14, she began formal training at the Art Students League of New York, studying under prominent sculptors like Gutzon Borglum and Herbert Adams. In 1910, Hoffman moved to Paris to further her studies and became a student of the legendary sculptor Auguste Rodin, whose mentorship profoundly influenced her style. Her early career featured portrait busts and figures that earned critical acclaim for their lifelike qualities. During World War I, she served as a volunteer nurse and created sculptures depicting soldiers and war scenes, reflecting the human cost of conflict. Her most significant work was "The Races of Mankind," commissioned in 1930 by the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Over five years, she traveled to more than 30 countries to create 104 life-sized sculptures representing various ethnic groups, aiming to celebrate human diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. The collection debuted in 1933 and was praised for its artistic excellence and anthropological significance, though it has been re-evaluated in modern times concerning cultural representation. Hoffman also sculpted portraits of famous personalities such as Igor Stravinsky, Anna Pavlova, and George Gershwin, capturing their essence and contributions to the arts. Her public works include installations like the "Bacchanale" fountain at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina. An accomplished author, she wrote books like "Heads and Tales" (1936) , chronicling her travels and work on "The Races of Mankind," and "Sculpture Inside and Out" (1939) , a comprehensive guide on the art of sculpture. Her autobiography, "Yesterday Is Tomorrow" (1965) , offers insights into her life and artistic evolution. Hoffman's style is characterized by realism, meticulous attention to detail, emotional depth, and cultural sensitivity. Her sculptures bridged the gap between artistic expression and anthropological study, contributing significantly to ethnographic art. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including the Logan Medal of the Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago, and was an elected member of the National Sculpture Society and the National Academy of Design. She maintained studios in both New York and Paris and was known for her adventurous spirit and dedication to her craft. Malvina Hoffman passed away on July 10, 1966, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts. Her works are held in major museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Rodin Museum in Paris. ; Quarto; xxii, 416 pages. Good+ with no dustjacket .

Keywords: Architecture &


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