Early 20th Century Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Man Washing Himself Over a Bucket by Carlos De La Cárcova, Argentina

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Early 20th century patinated bronze sculpture of a man washing himself over a bucket by Carlos de la Cárcova, Argentina

… Read more Early 20th century patinated bronze sculpture of a man washing himself over a bucket by Carlos de la Cárcova, Argentina

By: Carlos de la Cárcova
Material: metal, bronze, copper, tin
Technique: cast, molded, metalwork, patinated
Dimensions: 12.25 in x 7 in x 15.5 in
Date: early 20th century
Style: Expressionist, Realism
Place of origin: Argentina

Author Carlos de la Cárcova captures a raw, introspective moment in this patinated bronze sculpture, depicting a solitary male figure leaning over a basin to wash his feet. The composition follows a sober realist aesthetic, emphasizing the physical strain and naturalistic curves of the human form through a heavily textured surface that catches the light across its dark, aged patina. Cast as a single continuous piece, the work avoids ornamental distraction, focusing instead on the rhythmic tension of the subject’s arched back and the utilitarian simplicity of the bucket. The artist’s signature is integrated into the rugged, integral base.

As a prominent Argentine architect and sculptor, de la Cárcova—son of the celebrated painter Ernesto de la Cárcova—brought a structural sensibility to his figurative art. This piece reflects his mastery of metalwork and his role as a professor of sculpture, balancing anatomical precision with a profound, quiet humanity. See less