Sheaves of Wheat

1960

Giacomo Manzù

Associated Names
Giacomo Manzù

Artist, Italian, 1908 - 1991

The sculpture is a bundle of wheat or grain stalks tied together, crafted from bronze to give it a brownish, metallic appearance with shades ranging from dark to light brown. Mounted on a flat rectangular bronze panel, the realistically detailed wheat stalks emerge from the surface with their heads falling downward, creating a sense of depth and texture. The oxidation or patina on the bronze adds a slightly greenish hue in some areas, enhancing the portrayal of the wheat. The sculpture’s relief creates shadows and highlights, emphasizing the details of the stalks and grains.
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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G44

Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The artist; purchased 6 August 1965 by (Paul Rosenberg & Co., New York); purchased 2 February 1966 by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, Upperville, VA;[1] gift 1983 to NGA.

[1] See “Ledger Volume: ‘Stock Book’” from The Paul Rosenberg Archives, a Gift of Elaine and Alexandre Rosenberg, [IV.A.3.a]. The Museum of Modern Art Archives, New York; copy in NGA curatorial file.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1994

  • Sculpture: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994: 145, repro.

Inscriptions

upper right stamped: MANZU / NFMM

Markings

FM: NFMM

Wikidata ID

Q63860847

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