Study for "The Thinker"

Study for "The Thinker"

Apes in art
Drawing, American--20th century.
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

Charcoal on paper
18" x 12"

Fredericks created this sculpture at the request of George Gough Booth, the founder of Cranbrook Educational Community, who wanted a “Thinker” for the steps of the Cranbrook Art Museum similar to Auguste Rodin’s renowned Thinker, a cast of which is on the steps of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Fredericks’ replacement of Rodin’s heroic male nude with a bemused chimpanzee stroking his chin is a thought provoking variation on the earlier statue. Fredericks' choice of a chimpanzee reveals his fondness for primates.

Fredericks indicated that he “tried different human figures for about a month, but couldn’t come up with the right Thinker. Mr. Booth came to my studio and saw this chimpanzee I was carving in my spare time and he said, ‘This is my Thinker. He’s probably thinking far more interesting thoughts than we are.’”

Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series VIII, Cabinet 2 Drawer 15 Folder 1

c. 1938

Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Archives.

VIII-02-15-01

image/jpeg

Charcoal drawing

VIII.1998.001.511

Charcoal drawing

18" x 12"