Due to technical necessities, some of Giacometti's larger plasters had to be divided into several parts before they could be made into bronze castings at the foundry. In order to preserve the original substance of the plasters, the respective works owned by the Alberto Giacometti-Stiftung are usually not reassembled permanently.

ʻGrande femme IVʼ was modelled directly in plaster on an iron armature. Subsequently, black brush strokes were applied to the surface in a few places.

From 1964/65, the plaster served as a template for bronze casts made using the lost wax technique. In the foundry, the work was cut through at the neck, hips and thighs prior to the making of the gelatine mould. The junction areas were modified to make them pluggable. Afterwards all parts were coated with yellow-brown sealant and release agent.

Material

Plaster, partially painted, coated with sealant and release agent

Dimensions

275 x 34 x 55 cm

Creditline

Kunsthaus Zürich, Alberto Giacometti-Stiftung, Donated by Bruno and Odette Giacometti, 2006

Object number

GS 357

Provenance

• Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft | Kunsthaus Zürich (Museum), ab 2006, Leihgabe
• Alberto Giacometti-Stiftung (Sammlung), 2006, Geschenk
• Bruno und Odette Giacometti, Nachlass
• Alberto Giacometti