My absolute favorite soap carving I've come across, and the first I've ever felt compelled to purchase, though I am always delighted by the existence of these. The medium became a thing in the the 1920s and 30s, responsive to competitions sponsored by Procter and Gamble, beginning with the "National Soap Sculpture Competition in White Soap" launched in 1924. This very charmingly rendered, very muscular, surely classically inspired male figure (I'm not sure if referencing the Dying Gaul specifically, but of that ilk--and very cleverly responsive to the shape of the soap, which would not accommodate legs!) is just about everything one could want in a soap carving I'd say, including handwritten label identifying it as the work of a June Hoffman in 1933 and logo still visible on the back of the bar of soap. Fabulous.
2 3/4" t x 2 1/2" w x 15/16" d. Excellent near antique condition. A little darkening to the white soap, mostly around his head, which is typical for these--but really in remarkably good condition with no losses or issues whatsoever.
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