Reuben Nakian's most well-known ceramic work consists of series of two and three dimensional sculptures that explore erotic themes drawn from Greek and Roman mythology. This series is composed of clay slabs with the images incised into the wet surface with quickly drawn lines illustrating the narrative. Some of his ceramic work was thrown by other potters for him to draw on.
Nakian was primarily a bronze sculptor.
Nakian?s early friendships with expressionist artists, Arshile Gorky and Willem de Kooning influenced his work.
"Other works by Nakian
Nakian in other collections
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Last updated: April 22, 2026
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