Reuben Nakian  (American, 1897-1986) 

Reuben Nakian (American, 1897–1986), born in Queens, NY, was a sculptor whose impressive career spanned over 70 years, and contributed significantly to the definition of Abstract Expressionist sculpture. After studying at the Independent School of Art, and at the Robert Henri School with Homer Boss (American, 1882–1956) and Abraham S. Baylinson (American/Russian, 1882–1950), Nakian went on to study at the Art Students League of New York, where he apprenticed to Paul Howard Manship (American, 1885–1966), and then on to a studio assistantship to Gaston Lachaise (American/French, 1882–1935). Other early influences include friendships with Arshile Gorky (American, 1904–1948) and Willem de Kooning (American/Dutch, 1904–1997). Nakian's background in Modernism laid the groundwork for an innovative body of work that focused on erotic themes in Classical Greek and Roman mythology, with particular focus on the female figure. Some of his most noted works include Leda and the Swan (1978) and The Rape of Lucrece (c.1955). His work caught attention in particular for its unleashed sensuality and licentiousness. Nakian worked in marble, clay, plaster, metal, paper, and Styrofoam, and was the subject of multiple retrospectives, such as the Frank O'Hara-curated show at MoMA, New York, in 1966. Nakian was the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and awards, such as the Skowhegan Medal for Sculpture in 1983. He taught at Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, and Pratt Institute.