The powerful sculpture of Max Kalish comprehends the beauty of hard work. From the 1920's through the '30's a principle subject for the artist was the laborer; steel workers, woodsmen, diggers, foundrymen, railmen, fishermen and the worn, tired and unemployed laborer, amongst them. His work reflects power, reinforced by honesty and courage.
Born in Cleveland, Kalish studied in Paris in 1912 and 1913. After the war, and for the rest of his life; he spent part of every year in Paris working. There he was surrounded and influenced by the works and great artists of the era: Carpeaux, Rodin, Meunier, Dalou and Barye- to name only a few.
During this time, more so than in America, sculpture was a part of the very fabric of every city and nation in Europe. Public sculpture was appreciated by all classes of society, and studio sculpture was collected and commonly adorned many homes.
