Standing Female Nude with Raised Arms
Sculpture, freestanding figural wood carving • Anonymous artist, in the manner of mid-century Modernist/Art Deco figurative sculpture (influenced by artists like Ernst Barlach or Alexander Archipenko)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Art Deco
Medium & Technique
Hardwood (possibly mahogany or teak), hand-carved, sanded, and polished with a natural oil or wax finish
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1930s-1950s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated height approximately 24 to 30 inches, vertical freestanding format mounted on an integral geometric base
Subject Description
A stylized, elongated female figure standing with her arms raised upward, hands joined above her head. The composition emphasizes verticality, smooth biomorphic contours, and streamlined anatomical reduction typical of modernist decorative sculpture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The wood retains a rich patina and smooth surface sheen with no major structural cracks, losses, or deep gouges visible.
Estimated Market Value
USD 400 - USD 800
Auction Estimate
USD 300 - USD 500
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a mid-century boutique gallery, estate sale, or created as a studio artisan piece. No visible maker marks, stamps, or labels are apparent on the visible surfaces.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the popularization of modernist sculptural forms in domestic interior decor during the mid-20th century, bridging fine art aesthetics with applied decorative arts.
Notable Features
The elegant elongation of the torso and limbs combined with the minimalist facial features and warm, reddish-brown wood grain pattern create a strong decorative visual impact.
Condition Issues
Minor surface wear, slight dust accumulation in crevices, and minor natural grain checking appropriate to age and material.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in stable indoor relative humidity (40-50 percent) away from direct sunlight and heating vents. Periodically treat with a microcrystalline wax or neutral wood balm to preserve the finish.