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Pygmalion and Galatea Modern Sculpture by Cuban Artist Manuel Carbonell
$1,995
£1,519.38
€1,749.01
CA$2,859
A$3,128.12
CHF 1,614.10
MX$37,458.94
NOK 20,491.80
SEK 19,198.84
DKK 13,061.45
About the Item
Manuel Carbonell – Pygmalion and Galatea (1962–63)
This striking rendition of Pygmalion and Galatea, sculpted by Cuban-American master Manuel Carbonell, captures mythos and modernism in a single, elegant form. Cast in Durastone (or similar hydro‑cal/glazed medium), the sculpture evokes the transformation of stone to life—an apt metaphor for the artist’s own creative journey.
Carbonell, educated at Cuba’s prestigious San Alejandro and celebrated alongside peers like Wifredo Lam and Agustín Cárdenas, dedicated his career to bridging classical figuration with powerful modern abstraction. His work carries the monumental gravitas of Henry Moore, the distilled form of Brancusi, and yet possesses its own uniquely lyrical force
Graduating from Classical myth, Pygmalion and Galatea portrays the eternal romance of creator and creation. The amorphous figures flow physically together, their surfaces polished and glinting, while the base retains a rugged, unrefined quality—grounded yet transcendent.
Visually, “Pygmalion and Galatea” functions both as mythic narrative and sculptural ornament. It works beautifully placed alone on a pedestal, as a centrepiece atop a wide console, or amid bookshelves and architectural niches. Its wood-like finish harmonizes with warm woods, patinated metals, or darker stone, while its mythic subject matter lends a romantic and timeless dimension to interiors that value symbolism, form, and heritage.
Dimensions:
Approximately 74.6 cm × 27.9 cm × 30.5 cm (29⅜″ H × 11″ W × 12″ D)
Created around 1962–63 under the Austin Productions collaboration, this work was part of a limited run that has become exceptionally rare. Many examples have been lost or damaged over time, rendering surviving pieces like this extraordinarily desirable
Why This Piece Stands Apart:
Artist Legacy & Scarcity: Carbonell is widely regarded as one of the most influential Cuban sculptors of the 20th century. Since his passing in 2011, the rarity and value of his limited-edition works have risen sharply
Mythic Modernism: The sculpture encapsulates a moment where figure and fluidity merge, demonstrating Carbonell’s mastery of both form and abstraction—inviting both contemplative reflection and sweeping visual impact.
Collector Momentum: Auction records and museum holdings consistently reflect strong demand for Carbonell’s limited-edition work.
Placement & Presence:
Carbonell, born in Cuba in 1918, studied at San Alejandro and later established a reputation in both Latin America and the United States for works that balance classical mythology, sensual form, and expressive texture. His “Pygmalion and Galatea” series captures the eternal theme of transformation — the sculptor Pygmalion bringing his statue Galatea to life — and Carbonell’s interpretation emphasizes both the tender intimacy of this myth and the sculptural tension between material and motion.
This work is ideal for collectors of mid-century modern art, modern sculpture, or Latin American masters. Whether staged on a plinth in a light-filled atrium or layered into a richly curated living space, Pygmalion and Galatea offers timeless elegance, abstract warmth, and sculptural intimacy.
Carbonell passed away in November of 2011. Interest in his work has since sky rocketed. This 1963 piece, “Pygmalion and Galatea” was created by Born in Cuba in 1918, the artist studied at Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes San Alejandro in Havana, Cuba with equally esteemed contemporaries, Wifredo Lam and Agustin Cardenas. His talents led him to become a celebrity in his native Cuba. However Carbonell was exiled to the U.S. following Castro’s rise. Here Carbonell’s notoriety really took flight. Ultimately he was featured in several one man shows at the much famed Schoneman Galleries, MoMA, Galeria Internacional (Venezuela), Randall Galleries, among several others. Other notable works include the “Bicentennial Eagle” presented at the White House and now on display at The Gerald R. Ford, Presidential Museum. Miami is home to one of Carbonell’s most public works, The Pillar of History on the Brickell Avenue Bridge
- Creator:Manuel Carbonell (Artist),Austin Prod (Maker)
- Similar to:Auguste Rodin (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Diameter: 13 in (33.02 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Plaster,Glazed
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1963
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent overall condition.
- Seller Location:Chattanooga, TN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2255346414162
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