Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a striking mid-century plaster-composition sculpture of a pensive, elongated female figure resting her head on her hand. Produced in 1971, it beautifully captures the elegant, expressive style of early 20th-century modernist masters like Amedeo Modigliani and Alberto Giacometti. The warm, terracotta-toned finish mimics hand-carved clay or wood, mounted on a classic black wooden plinth.
Story
In 1971, Brooklyn-based Austin Productions released this evocative, elongated figure to bring gallery-level modernism into the American home. Its design pays direct homage to the melancholic, stretched portraits of early 20th-century Parisian avant-garde art.
Maker / Origin
Founded in Brooklyn in 1953, Austin Productions began as a workshop replicating classical museum masterpieces before transitioning into their own highly popular line of decorative modern sculptures.
Condition & Value
The sculpture appears to be in very good vintage condition with no major chips or cracks to the fragile plaster composition. There is some minor surface dust in the crevices and light wear to the black painted wooden base, which is typical for its age. Excellent preservation of the original terracotta-style finish.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.