Swords into Ploughshares
Moissaye Marans (Kishinev 1902 - New York City 1977)
Category
Art / Sculpture
Date
circa 1958
Materials
Bronze, powdered
Measurements
510 x 160 x 105 mm
Place of origin
New York
Order this imageCollection
Ightham Mote, Kent
NT 824615
Summary
Statue in powdered bronze by Moissaye Marans (1902-1977) of his composition Swords into Plowshares, depicting the Prophet Isaiah standing, holding a broken sword in his right hand and the broken-off blade in his raised left hand. At his feet is a ploughshare. On an integral rectangular base, the sculpture mounted on a painted wooden block base.
Full description
After growing up in Romania, Moissaye Marans emigrated to the USA in 1924. Many of his sculptures celebrated themes relating to Peace and Brotherhood. Marans’ Swords into Plowshares, which refers to the passage in the Book of Isaiah (2.4) became the symbol of the Atomic Energy Commission. The principal version, 14 feet high, is in the Community Church of New York. The sculpture continues to be reproduced to this day. Alva Studios was founded by Alfred Wolkenberg (1911-1990), who arrived in the US from his native Vienna in 1939 and founded Alva Studios of Long Island in 1948. The studio specialised in reproductions of jewellery and sculpture. (Jeremy Warren, 2017)
Provenance
Acquired by Charles Henry Robinson (1892 -1985) after 1958. Bequeathed to the National Trust with Ightham Mote in 1985 by Charles Henry Robinson (1892 -1985).
Credit line
National Trust Collections (Ightham Mote)
Marks and inscriptions
Side of base: ‘Marans' Base: © Alva Studio 58
Makers and roles
Moissaye Marans (Kishinev 1902 - New York City 1977), sculptor Alva Studios, New York, manufacturer