Leonard Baskin

Leonard Baskin (1922-2000), American sculptor and graphic artist, who sought to communicate moral ideas through his portrayals of the human figure. Many of the details of his figures—flaccid faces, obese or ugly nude bodies, spindly legs—illustrate what he considered to be the spoiled and debauched condition of humankind. In contrasting works, he portrayed, through strong, sensitive modeling, figures who radiate unspoiled dignity and uprightness. The Gehenna Press, which he founded and operated for over 25 years, produced fine illustrated books, many of them containing Baskin's own wood engravings. From 1953 to 1973 he taught sculpture and printmaking at Smith College.