Jose De Creeft (1884–1982) was one of the foremost international sculptors of the twentieth century, renowned for his direct-carve approach to stone and other materials. Born in Spain, he developed a distinctive style that resonates with American sculptors such as Gaston Lachaise, William Zorach, and Richard Flanagan, while simultaneously engaging with European avant-garde currents. During his years in France, De Creeft exhibited alongside Aristide Maillol, Jacques Lipchitz, Charles Despiau, and Antoine Bourdelle, and formed friendships with Pablo Picasso and Juan Gris, both of whom recognized his talent.

"I make sculpture in stone . . . in any material, because it excites me to make sculpture. It is my life, it is my way to talk . . . to express myself. How should I explain anything further about it? I explain myself completely in my work. Instead of words, I use forms. The forms are my total expression . . ."

—de Creeft, July 1972

He sought guidance from Auguste Rodin, who encouraged him to enroll at the Académie Julian in Paris. De Creeft quickly established his reputation, winning First Prize in a competition for a half-size figure and later earning the First Prize at the 1942 Metropolitan Museum Artists for Victory competition. In addition to his artistic practice, he taught at the Art Students League in New York, influencing generations of sculptors. His work is represented in numerous museum collections worldwide, reflecting both his technical mastery and his lifelong dedication to the expressive potential of sculpture.