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Ernest Trova — Radial Hinged Figure
Ernest Trova

Radial Hinged Figure

1970

Ernest Trova's *Radial Hinged Figure* from 1970 presents a compelling vision of the human form, rendered with striking minimalist elegance. Cast in nickel-plated bronze, the sculpture possesses a cool, reflective surface that accentuates its sleek contours and precise engineering. Standing at just 33 centimeters, this intimate work captures a stylized, almost robotic figure, its smooth, featureless head suggesting anonymity and universality. The body is articulated with distinctive cylindrical hinges at the shoulders and hips, implying a potential for movement while simultaneously encasing the figure in a rigid, metallic shell. This interplay between organic suggestion and mechanical construction is central to the work's enduring appeal. This exquisite figure exemplifies Trova's profound exploration of the human condition in an increasingly industrialized and technological age. The artist consistently grappled with themes of vulnerability, transformation, and the evolving relationship between man and machine. Here, the figure's pristine, almost idealized surface belies a sense of existential introspection, a hallmark of Trova's most celebrated creations. The mechanical elements, far from being mere decorative details, suggest a synthesis of biological and artificial forms, inviting viewers to contemplate the future of human identity. *Radial Hinged Figure* stands as a powerful statement on modern existence, a sophisticated commentary on the forces shaping our world. As a testament to Trova's enduring vision, *Radial Hinged Figure* is more than just a sculpture; it is a profound philosophical inquiry cast in enduring metal. Its compact dimensions make it an ideal focal point for any sophisticated collection, offering a quiet yet powerful presence. This work represents a pivotal moment in twentieth-century sculpture, capturing the zeitgeist of an era grappling with rapid change and technological advancement. For collectors, it offers an opportunity to acquire a piece by an artist whose innovative approach to form and concept has left an indelible mark on modern art, continuing to resonate with contemporary sensibilities.

Medium
Nickel-plated bronze
Location
Wright, Chicago, United States

🔨 Auction Lot

Wright: 20|21 Art: The Chicago Edition (July 2022)

July 14, 2022

Estimate: $3,000 to $5,000

Lot 186

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About this work

Ernest Trova, Radial Hinged Figure, 1970

Ernest Trova's *Radial Hinged Figure* from 1970 presents a compelling vision of the human form, rendered with striking minimalist elegance. Cast in nickel-plated bronze, the sculpture possesses a cool, reflective surface that accentuates its sleek contours and precise engineering. Standing at just 33 centimeters, this intimate work captures a stylized, almost robotic figure, its smooth, featureless head suggesting anonymity and universality. The body is articulated with distinctive cylindrical hinges at the shoulders and hips, implying a potential for movement while simultaneously encasing the figure in a rigid, metallic shell. This interplay between organic suggestion and mechanical construction is central to the work's enduring appeal. This exquisite figure exemplifies Trova's profound exploration of the human condition in an increasingly industrialized and technological age. The artist consistently grappled with themes of vulnerability, transformation, and the evolving relationship between man and machine. Here, the figure's pristine, almost idealized surface belies a sense of existential introspection, a hallmark of Trova's most celebrated creations. The mechanical elements, far from being mere decorative details, suggest a synthesis of biological and artificial forms, inviting viewers to contemplate the future of human identity. *Radial Hinged Figure* stands as a powerful statement on modern existence, a sophisticated commentary on the forces shaping our world. As a testament to Trova's enduring vision, *Radial Hinged Figure* is more than just a sculpture; it is a profound philosophical inquiry cast in enduring metal. Its compact dimensions make it an ideal focal point for any sophisticated collection, offering a quiet yet powerful presence. This work represents a pivotal moment in twentieth-century sculpture, capturing the zeitgeist of an era grappling with rapid change and technological advancement. For collectors, it offers an opportunity to acquire a piece by an artist whose innovative approach to form and concept has left an indelible mark on modern art, continuing to resonate with contemporary sensibilities.

Medium
Nickel-plated bronze
Year
1970
Seen at
Wright, Chicago, United States

Related themes

Existential Theme, Bronze, Twentieth Century, Man And Machine, Minimalist, Male Artist, American, Modernist, Sculpture, Post War Art, Transformation, Mechanical Forms, Abstract Figure, Nickel Plated, Identity Theme, Tabletop Sculpture, Silver Tones, Human Form, Reflective Surface, Cast Metal, Figurative