Henri Gaudier-Brzeska

Idiot: Self Portrait

Artwork Detail

During Henri Gaudier-Brzeska’s lifetime, this satirical self-portrait was exhibited as 'Portrait of a Jew', although popularly known as 'The Idiot', inspired by his partner’s constant use of the term. The highly expressive, contorted features echo the artist’s declared belief that ‘the modern sculptor is a man who works with instinct as his inspiring force. His work is emotional…what he feels he does so intensely and his work is nothing more nor less than the abstraction of this intense feeling.’

Title
Idiot: Self Portrait
Artist/creator
Henri Gaudier-Brzeska
Production date
1912
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
178 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased 1956
Accession no
1956/33
Copyright
No known copyright restrictions
Department
International Art
Display status
Not on display

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