Artistic Career and Style
Frishmuth's career gained momentum in the early 20th century, with her sculptures celebrated for their graceful portrayal of the female form, often inspired by dancers. She frequently collaborated with dancer Desha Delteil, whose poses infused Frishmuth's works with a sense of fluidity and vitality. Her sculptures were exhibited at esteemed venues such as the National Academy of Design, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Paris Salon. Frishmuth was also associated with the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors and exhibited with the Philadelphia Ten, a group of women artists.
The Vine: A Signature Masterpiece
Among Frishmuth's most acclaimed works is The Vine, initially conceived as a statuette in 1921. This sculpture depicts a nude female figure poised on tiptoe, arms extended gracefully while holding a grapevine, embodying the essence of dance and natural movement. Desha Delteil served as the model for this piece, which was awarded the Shaw Memorial Prize at the National Academy of Design in 1923. The Vine became Frishmuth's most commercially successful work, with an edition of 396 casts.
Legacy and Later Life
Frishmuth continued to create and exhibit her work throughout her life, although the Great Depression led to the closure of her New York studio in the 1930s. She returned to Philadelphia and remained active in the art community. Frishmuth passed away on January 1, 1980, in Waterbury, Connecticut, at the age of 99. Her sculptures, particularly The Vine, continue to be celebrated for their elegance and embodiment of movement, securing her legacy as a significant figure in American sculpture.
Today, Frishmuth's works are housed in prestigious institutions, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ensuring that her contributions to American sculpture endure.