Mary

MakerMade by Luman Pierre Kelsey (American, 1905 - 1961)

Date1930-1940s

MediumCast artficial stone

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 23 x 4 x 3in. (58.4 x 10.2 x 7.6cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Luman P. Kelsey

DescriptionSculpture made of solid pink or reddish-brown "cast stone," an artificial stone material composed of lime and a polyester binder, that was cast in a mold. The abstract, elongated sculpture shows a hooded figure with a slightly bowed head holding a baby in her arms. A hood or halo surrounds the head of the baby. The surface of the sculpture is smooth but pitted; the bottom of the sculpture is flat. A tape label is adhered to the outside of the sculpture, near the bottom. "Mary $400.00/ LUMAN P. KELSEY" is hand-written on the tape in pencil.

Object number1977.93.19

NotesTechnique Note: According to hand-written notes in the file for 1977.93.1-.21, Luman Kelsey was a self-taught potter who experimented with a material he called "cast stone". Cast stone is composed of a "lime and polyester binder -- invented formula. ... Many failures. After making cast -- from molds -- a lot of work making the finished look like stone. It is breakable." The author of the note is unknown, but was probably a curator or administrator at the Connecticut Historical Society. (Hunt 2/9/2005)

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