Pouter Pigeon included in exhibition of Birds in Art at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Stamford, CT

In 1922, under the sponsorship of the Whitney Studio Club, Nakian left the studio of Gaston Lachaise and, learning of an abandoned marble-carver’s studio with turntable, marble and tools, “ . . . walked in there and began carving marble”.  A result was Pouter Pigeon, 1923, carved in white marble.  Now, after 95 years in various collections including those of Edith Halpert of the Downtown Gallery and Joseph Hirshhorn, the Nakian Family has acquired this major piece, one of the first animal sculptures that Nakian carved.

Pouter Pigeon is currently included in the exhibition Birds in Art at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903, February 24 through May 28, 2018.

Pouter Pigeon, 1923, marble, 11 ¼ x 13 ½ x 7 ⅞”
Nakian Family collection

Nakian’s monumental sculpture displayed in public places in his hometown of Stamford, CT and neighboring Norwalk, CT

Three monumental sculptures by Reuben Nakian are on public display in the downtown of his adopted hometown of Stamford, Connecticut. Minerva was purchased by the City of Stamford and is now located in Kiwanis Park beside the Palace Theatre. Hecuba, on loan to the Palace Theatre, is located to the left of its park side entrance, and Sea Odyssey, on loan to the City of Stamford, is located in Heritage Park at the rear of the Old Town Hall. In addition, a fourth piece, Leda and the Swan, is owned by the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and located on the Museum grounds near the Bendel Mansion. The City of Norwalk purchased the monumental 1980 Juno and installed it at 50 Washington Street Plaza in South Norwalk.