Sidney Geist, 91; Author, Teacher, Expert on Sculptor Brancusi

Sidney Geist, 91, a sculptor, teacher, author and leading authority on Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi, died Oct. 18 of complications from a stroke at the Jewish Home and Hospital in New York City.

Geist taught at a number of leading colleges and universities over the years, including Pratt Institute, Vassar College and UC Berkeley. He conducted extensive research into the life and work of Brancusi and taught himself Romanian before visiting the artist’s native country.

His book, “Brancusi: A Study of the Sculpture” (1968), is considered by many historians to be the seminal study of the artist’s work.

As a sculptor himself, Geist had a number of solo shows and participated in many group exhibitions. Never identified with one particular movement or style, Geist found inspiration in various cultures and people.

Born in Paterson, N.J., Geist grew up there and attended St. Stephen’s College. Through much of the 1930s, he served as an apprentice to the painter Paul Fiene. He also worked as a sculptor in New Jersey for the Works Progress Administration. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II.