Tragica (Tragedy)

Artist Domenico Aurelio Facci American, 1916 - 1994

Dateca. 1953

MediumMarble, wooden base, black paint

DimensionsOverall: 12 5/16 x 6 1/2 x 6 3/4 in. (31.3 x 16.5 x 17.1 cm)
Sculpture: 10 3/8 x 6 x 6 3/4 in. (26.4 x 15.2 x 17.1 cm)
Base: 1 3/4 x 6 1/2 in. (4.4 x 16.5 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Deborah Friedman

Object number2009.8

On View

Not on view

Collections

Sculpture
American Paintings & Sculpture

Signed"DOM FACCI" LR (left hip area) carved in the block capital letters

Inscribed"HORS CONCOURS" printed on what appears to be a metal label that also has a layer of cellophane tape over it attaching it to the right side of the base. The term hors concours as applied to an artist means unrivalled or without equal, someone who is not included in the competition because they are so obviously superior to the competition.

DescriptionA table-top sculpture of a nude female kneeling on her right leg and knee with her right foot tucked under her buttocks, the toes just visible at the back of the figure. Her left leg is bent upward placing her knee against her chest. The figure's arms reach forward with both of her hands touching her left foot. Her head is deeply bowed, nearly perpendicular to her torso. Her hair is carved into a heavy soft-sided rectangular form that is contiguous with and counterbalances the downward movement of her head.

Carved in one piece of white marble with strong blue-black veining. The hair of the figure has a slightly striated surface from the use of a toothed chisel while the rest of the figure is polished smooth.

The sculpture is attached to a 1 3/4" h. cylindrical wooden base that is painted black. The figure slightly overhangs the base with her right knee and left foot. A piece of gold-colored cardboard with the words "HORS CONCOURS" handwritten in black ink is attached to the right side of the base, apparently with glue, no nails are apparent (see Inscriptions) [later removed to file}. A screw and washer are visible in a hole drilled in the center underside of the base. Thin grey cardboard is glued to the underside to prevent abrasion on a tabletop. A red-bordered gummed label is glued to the underside, the writing on it, in red pencil, is completely obscured.Exhibition History"What's New? Recent Acquisitions 2008-2010", Hoopes Gallery, The Hyde Collection, March 3 - May 29, 2011.

"Modernist Sculpture", Feibes & Schmitt Gallery, The Hyde Collection, June 15 - July 18, 2018 and November 19- December 30, 2018ProvenanceLoudonville, NY, Deborah Friedman
2009, Glens Falls, NY, The Hyde Collection Trust