Marshal Ferdinand Foch

Jo Davidson American

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 774

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.

Marshal Ferdinand Foch, Jo Davidson (American, New York 1883–1952 Tours, France), Bronze

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