Pygmalion and Galatea Sculpture by Manuel Carbonell, 1963

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 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. Placement & Presence: 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. 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.

Creator:
Austin Prod (Maker),Manuel Carbonell (Artist)
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:
United States
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1963
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent overall condition.
Seller Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2255346414162