Bronze Age Gold from Wales

Information provided by the estate of Ronald Moody:

'By the time he finished Self-Portrait 2 in June 1937, the artist was utterly dedicated to wood and had virtually abandoned bronze. He therefore decided to try another version and, within a month, produced this mask in elm. The difference between the two versions is remarkable, even though they are almost identical in concept. The earlier, though life-size, gives the impression of being much smaller, and the smooth stylisation of the material seems to add impassivity and sombreness to the whole. The second is more expansive, both in size and feeling, and the grain of the wood subtly underlines the contour of the face, giving it animation and character. Greatly encouraged by this, Moody eagerly turned to wood for future portraits and for the next nine years used nothing else.

On 4.1.39, it was shipped from Paris to the Harmon Foundation in New York, for inclusion in exhibitions in America, where it was shownas A Mask. It remained in the Foundation's custody throughout the war and for some time afterwards.

On 2.3.49, the artist wrote to Marie Seton listing the works he wished her to bring back to England. Amongst these was: "Another mask, wood, based on my head (about life size)".'