Artist
Elie Nadelman (American, born Poland, 1882–1946)American, born Poland, 1882–1946
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Tango
Datec. 1918–1924
PlaceUnited States
MediumCherry wood and gesso
Dimensions(.A) male figure: 33 1/2 × 17 1/2 × 13 1/4 inches (85.1 × 44.5 × 33.5 cm)
(.B) female figure: 34 3/4 × 17 1/2 × 11 3/4 inches (88.3 × 44.5 × 29.8 cm)
oval display base: 36 3/4 inches high
(.B) female figure: 34 3/4 × 17 1/2 × 11 3/4 inches (88.3 × 44.5 × 29.8 cm)
oval display base: 36 3/4 inches high
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Meredith J. Long
Object number96.1751.A,.B
Current Location
The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building
Gallery 203
On view
Explore Further
Department
American ArtObject Type
immigrated to New York from Paris at
the outbreak of World War I. He found in
American folk art the same economies of form
that he had assimilated from Constantin
Brancusi’s sleek Modernism, influences that are
distilled in Tango, one of his most celebrated
sculptures. Carved from cherrywood, with
their features lightly painted in gesso, two
figures gracefully complement one another
as they engage in the sensual Argentine dance
that had taken America and Europe by storm.
Provenance Research Ongoing Exhibition HistoryExhibited: "The Private Eye: Selected Works from Collections of Friends of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," June 11 - August 23, 1989.
Exhibited: "Looking at Sculpture," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, September 15 - December 29, 1991.
"American Made: 250 Years of American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 7 July 2012 - 2 January 2013.
“American Modern: Works from the Collection of Alice C. Simkins,” The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, April 15–July 19, 2015.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscription: On bottom of sculpture, labels: .A (male figure): "Crate 24" and "3484 73/2." .B (female figure): "Crate 23" and "7 Santini Brothers Fine Arts Division '37."
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
![[Female] Twin Figure (ere ibeji)](/internal/media/dispatcher/67619/thumbnail)
