Constantin Brancusi Romanian, 1876-1957 Constantin Brancusi was one of the outstanding sculptors of the 20th century. The Romanian-born artist also was actively engaged in making photographs of his sculpture throughout much of his career, creating images that fall into two main categories: views of his studio and pictures of single works. Following studies at the School of Arts and Crafts in Craiova, the National School of Fine Arts in Bucharest, and the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Brancusi began exhibiting his sculpture in Paris in 1906. It is not known when he first began to photograph his pieces. However, by 1921 he was interested in improving his photographic skills and asked Man Ray for technical advice, as well as for suggestions for buying equipment and setting up a darkroom. Brancusi used photography not only to document his sculpture, but also to promote it. He would make sets of photographs showing front, back, and side views of a piece that could be sent to prospective buyers outside Paris. Although Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen, among others, also photographed his sculpture, Brancusi felt that only he could produce images that did justice to his work. Making his own photographs also allowed him to present his sculpture as he wanted it to be seen. Well aware of the influence of light, Brancusi often experimented with lighting effects to emphasize the dynamic qualities of a piece. When he died in 1957, more than 550 negatives and 1,000 prints were found in his studio. In addition to a Brancusi photograph, the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection includes one of his sculptures. M.M.