PrayerJulio González · 1932

  • Art movementCubism
  • Creation date1932
  • Dimensions85.0 x 101.0 cm
  • MuseumKröller-Müller Museum

Julio González (1876 – 1942)

Julio González (1876-1942) was a pioneering Spanish sculptor who revolutionized modern art by embracing iron as his primary medium. Known for Cubist-influenced works, expressive lines, and collaborations with Picasso, he's considered the 'father of i

Kröller-Müller Museum (Otterlo, Netherlands)

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Metal workingThe Spanish artist Julio Gonzalez learned forging, welding, cutting and other forms of metal working from his father, who was a silversmith. In 1900 he settles in Paris, where his compatriots Pablo Gargallo and Pablo Picasso inspire him to start making sculptures in iron.SketchyHe develops into a master of working and assembling separate pieces of scrap and old iron. His favourite subject is women; sitting, lying or dancing, combing their hair or looking in the mirror. With flat pieces and strips of iron, he sketchily suggests his figures and heads.Drawing in spaceFrom 1932 on, his sculptures become more sober, austere and above all more linear, as in this piece. Using flat and round bars and rods, here, with just a few expressive, ascending lines, he creates the suggestion of a kneeling and praying woman, with her arms raised up to heaven. Prayer is a prime example of how Gonzalez himself sees his sculptures: as a form of ‘drawing in space’.

About this artwork

  • Title: Prayer
  • Artist: Julio González
  • Year: 1932
  • Original dimensions: 85.0 x 101.0 cm
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Kröller-Müller Museum
  • Corpus context: sculptural abstraction", early 20th century
  • Main color: Putty
  • Keywords: dynamic sculpture”, “gonzalez artwork”, "expressive lines"

Questions & Answers

What size is "Prayer" by Julio González in real life?

"Prayer" measures 85 x 101 cm in its original form. Original dimensions are a useful reference when choosing a reproduction size.

Why is the copyright status of "Prayer" what it is?

"Prayer" by Julio González is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Julio González died in 1942.

Where does "Prayer" fall in Julio González's career?

"Prayer" represents the Mature Period of Julio González.

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