Lot 86

Břetislav Benda (1897 - 1983) BATH

Between 1931 and 1937, Břetislav Benda became increasingly convinced that, in sculpture, the relationship to reality is often amplified by a sense of movement. He often found this in his sculptures through variations in gesture. During this period, he employed a high degree of lyricism, focusing on the theme of the female nude interpreted in a more relaxed composition and with an emotionally neutral expression, which Benda adopted from his teacher Jan Štursa. Each of the sculptures is a unique artistic study arising from careful construction and mechanics, yet at the same time brimming with expressive versatility. During this period, in 1935, his exhibition was also held at the Royal Summer Palace. The bath motif is a frequent theme in Břetislav Benda’s work, in which he explores female beauty through the medium of sculpture. The work *Bath* comes from the artist’s estate and is accompanied by a certificate of provenance signed by the artist’s heirs.