Marshal Ferdinand Foch

Jo Davidson

1918 · Bronze · Modern and Contemporary Art

In his autobiography, Davidson discussed his idea of a “plastic history” of World War I through busts of important figures, both civil and military, among the Allies. He recalled modeling this portrait of the French military leader Ferdinand Foch (1851–1929) in November 1918. Earlier that year, in March, Foch had been appointed to the supreme command of all Allied armies, and in August he became marshal of France. For the sitting, Davidson traveled to Senlis, Foch’s headquarters, and spent only a few hours with him. The resulting bust, with its serious demeanor and the deep lines of the face, suggest the great responsibilities of Foch’s command.

Artist

Jo Davidson

Date

1918

Medium

Bronze

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Bequest of Mary Stillman Harkness, 1950