Hooded Head of a Sealer 1931

This sculpture, Hooded Head of a Sealer, was made by Svend Rathsack. We don't know exactly when, but he worked with plaster, among other materials. It feels like the making was a process of pushing and pulling, a real back and forth. The sculpture has a muted, earthy tone and a tactile surface that invites touch, even though you probably shouldn't. If you look closely at the texture around the eyes, you can see the traces of the artist's hand, the slight indentations and ridges that give the face its character. These details feel raw and immediate, like the artist was working quickly, trying to capture a fleeting expression or a sense of inner life. It's a bit like Rodin, who also knew how to make plaster feel alive and full of feeling. But where Rodin is all drama and grand gestures, Rathsack is quieter, more intimate. This piece is a reminder that art isn't just about the finished product, but about the process of making, the way an artist wrestles with their materials to create something new and meaningful.