Tony Rosenthal-Alamo Cube-Maquette-Model-National Academy Museum-NYCPhoto via Flickr by Peter Burka

Yesterday, we published about a secret full-size version of Tony Rosenthal’s famous cube sculpture in Astor Place that has gone under the radar – because it’s in a private collection in Westchester. Untapped Cities reader Pete Burka reached out to us via Twitter to let us know that the maquette, a hand-cut bronze and brass model by Rosenthal, is not only in the collection of of the National Academy Museum, but is also on display only until June 1st.

Rosenthal gifted the model to the museum in 1996, in memory of his wife Halina Rosenthal, who died of cancer in 1991. One fun fact we learned from the Museum is Rosenthal exhibited his first public sculpture in the 1939 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Rosenthal served in World War II, as a commander of a unit making topographical models. Artists played a significant role in World War II, notably in the Ghost Army, a tactical deception unit staffed by illustrators, Hollywood set designers and creative types. Based in England for the war, Rosenthal became inspired by the work of sculptor Henry Moore.
As the National Academy describes of the 9 x 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 inch model, “This maquette differs from the full scale piece in that it is constructed out of polished brass and bronze, materials that lend a more precious and less severe aspect to the work than the completed sculpture in black painted Cor-Ten steel.”
Next, read about the Secret Version of the Astor Place Cube Located in Westchester. Check out 20 permanent outdoor art installations in downtown Manhattan.