Mid-Century Nguyen Thanh Le Bronze Bust of Young Vietnamese Women- A Pair

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Two rare 1950s bronze busts of a young Vietnamese woman by modernist artist Nguyen Thanh Le (1919–2006). Each sculpture features … Read more Two rare 1950s bronze busts of a young Vietnamese woman by modernist artist Nguyen Thanh Le (1919–2006). Each sculpture features a lustrous black patina and is mounted on a wooden plinth finished in high-gloss black enamel.

Measuring 10½ inches and 7¼ inches respectively, these finely polished busts form a compelling study in proportion, restraint, and refinement. Both portray stylized female heads rendered in bronze with an obsidian-like sheen, their smooth surfaces catching the light and subtly revealing etched details.

The larger bust conveys a serene gravitas, its softly rounded face and gently modeled features suggesting quiet introspection. The subject’s hair is drawn into a neat bun, articulated with delicate incised lines that introduce rhythm and texture to the sleek, minimalist form.

The smaller bust, more intimate in scale, echoes the same calm expression and modernist elegance, reinforcing the artist’s sensitivity to balance, harmony, and timeless beauty. See less