What's Happening?
Greg Gatwood and Judy Gittelsohn, a couple in San Francisco, discovered a mysterious 150-pound limestone sculpture buried in their backyard. Gatwood, a landscape contractor, initially thought he hit an old fence post footing but unearthed a bust of a woman,
measuring approximately 22 inches wide, 18 inches high, and 10 inches deep. Gittelsohn, a professional painter, describes the piece as having a sophisticated skill level, suggesting it was not created by a hobbyist. The couple has embarked on a mission to identify the sculptor and understand how the artwork ended up on their property. Experts caution that identifying the creator will be challenging without a signature or historical documentation.
Why It's Important?
This discovery holds significant cultural and historical importance for San Francisco, potentially linking to the city's rich artistic past. Gittelsohn suspects the sculpture may be connected to Ralph Stackpole, a prominent American sculptor and muralist who lived and worked in San Francisco during the first half of the 20th century. Stackpole taught sculpture at the California School of Fine Arts, later the San Francisco Art Institute, whose building was across the street from the couple's home. The property was an empty lot before their house was built in 1948, leading to speculation that Stackpole or one of his students might have buried it. This find could shed light on the artistic practices and hidden histories of the region.
What's Next?
The couple plans to continue their investigation into the sculpture's origins, consulting with art historians and local experts. Historian Anne Schnoebelen suggests the bust might have been featured at the 1939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition, possibly as one of the 'Pacific Unity' sculptures. The challenge remains in definitively attributing the work to Stackpole or his students, such as Adeline Kent or Helen Phillips. Gatwood intends to display the sculpture in his backyard on a custom-built pedestal, unless it is determined to be a priceless museum piece. The ongoing search for its backstory will likely involve further research into historical records and artistic styles of the era.
Beyond the Headlines
The discovery raises intriguing questions about the motivations behind burying such a significant piece of art. Schnoebelen speculates that someone might have disliked the outcome or that Stackpole himself was dissatisfied with it, leading to its concealment. This highlights the subjective nature of artistic value and the potential for artists or patrons to discard works that do not meet their expectations. Alternatively, Gatwood theorizes it might have been a prized garden art piece that was eventually forgotten or lost due to neglect. The mystery surrounding its burial adds a layer of intrigue, prompting reflection on how art is valued, preserved, and sometimes lost to history, only to be rediscovered decades later.
