1930 Harriet Frishmuth Plaster Cast
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GUEST:
Well, my great-great-aunt was a friend of Harriet Frishmuth, and she'd given her this back in the '30s, I believe. And my great-great-aunt, having died childless, left everything to my grandmother...
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
And I'd always admired it, and I helped my grandmother clean out her house one year, and she said I could have anything I wanted for doing that, so I chose this.
APPRAISER:
Good choice. Harriet Frishmuth, as you may or may not know, was born in Philadelphia in 1880, and her family went to Europe early on. And I've always thought this was very interesting: the only class open in Paris to women was taught by Rodin. She later moved to New York, studied at the Art Students' League, and is really thought of as a New York artist. Her sculptures are tremendous and very, very valuable. We have the piece signed, and also a lovely portrait of her which is also autographed and dedicated by the sculptor. What I also find interesting about this particular piece is that it's her favorite model, Desha, and I think that sort of intimacy and sensitivity really plays into it. It is a plaster cast, which is valued differently than a bronze. In some ways, while it's unique, it's much more fragile. A terrific piece, a great family treasure by one of the seminal sculptors of the 20th century. Harriet Frishmuth, the best. In terms of its value, I would put it between $15,000 and $25,000.
GUEST:
Oh, wow!
APPRAISER:
(laughing) So, keep her someplace safe.
GUEST:
Yes. When my mother finds out how much this is worth, she's going to want it back. (chuckles)
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