Torso of a Young Man I (1917) by Constantin Brancusi

Torso of a Young Man I - Constantin Brancusi - 1917

Artwork Information

TitleTorso of a Young Man I
ArtistConstantin Brancusi
Date1917
Mediumbronze
Dimensions46.3 x 31 x 17.1 cm
Art MovementExpressionism
Current LocationCleveland Museum of Art
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About Torso of a Young Man I

Torso of a Young Man I is a modern sculpture created by Constantin Brâncuși around 1917-1922. The piece features a male torso depicted as a cylindrical shape mounted on vestigial cylindrical legs, cut off at mid-thigh. The simplified form suggests the serrated outline of the comb that crowns a rooster’s head, which is typical of Brâncuși’s minimalist style.

Brancusi made three versions of this sculpture between 1916-1924. Two were made of wood – one from walnut and another from maple – while the other was made from marble. While the work does not feature genitalia, it is still considered by some as representative of masculinity, with testes visible in its contours.

More than 550 negatives and 1,000 prints were found in Brancusi’s studio when he died in 1957, which highlights his prolific output throughout his career as an influential sculptor in the early twentieth century. His experiments with lighting effects to emphasize the dynamic qualities of each piece set him apart.

Not only did his works revolutionize the art world, but they continue to influence contemporary artists today worldwide. Overall, Torso Of A Young Man I is an example of Brancusi’s ability to capture movement in simplified forms and has earned its place as one defining work within modern art history.

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