Sculpture

The marble not yet carved can hold the form of every thought the greatest artist has.     

 -Michelangelo

The Boxer bronze

  Sculpture is to me one of the hardest forms of art to master.  While each form has its own difficulties sculpture still takes the cake.  Personally, I have only made two different sculptures only because they were art class assignments in high school.  The only thing I let myself remember about the first one is the fact that it is impossible to make spheres and circles out of toothpicks.  Yes, I said toothpicks the worst idea on the face of the planet, ever.  The second time around was a more enjoyable experience seeing as I could use household items in this one and blocks of wood.  Although it was more of a success and not as frustrating as the first it still was not one of my favorites.  Now I only had to use household items imagine making beautiful sculptures out of marble or having to melt down bronze. 

Broze Disc Thrower

Bronze made extremely popular during Greek antiquity, was an abundant material used to make most sculptures at the time; through a very lengthy process I won’t bore you with.  It’s blossoming of art, literature, philosophy; sport and even architecture with a major use of bronze characterize Greek antiquity.  This is when some of the most amazing works of art the world has ever seen were created and then lost for hundreds of years until the Renaissance. 

Broze Eros or Cupid

Most Greek sculptures depicted great athletes participating in the Olympic games in Athens and major characters in Greek mythology like Athena, Zeus and Aphrodite.   And after the fall of the Greek empire in the 4^th century this very detailed and difficult art form was lost. 

Creation of Adam Vatican

Luckily it was found again and remastered during the Renaissance and was even reinvented using a new material, marble.  Most notable for his grasp on sculpture is the late great Michelangelo.  Michelangelo is one of the Renaissances greatest geniuses.  He was a master of sculpture, painting, and even drawing.  He started gaining fame for a piece he did when he was only 23 for the Vatican this piece is known as Pieta.  At first it said someone else during the time had done the sculpture out of anger Michelangelo broke into the Vatican and carved “Michelangelo did this”(roughly speaking) into the sculpture to make sure everyone knew who created this amazing work of art. And yes, this is the same man who create David and most of the paintings in the Vatican.  

piece of Michelangelo painting 

Pieta

Mannerist Sculpture

Personally, my favorite time for sculpture came right after the Renaissance and is known as Mannerism.  Mannerism is known for showing great dramatic emotion and and stretched hard to do stances.  Though the mannerist period lasted only a short while its sculptures still survive today and are revered for their intense emotion. 

                                                    

 What is the best sculpture you have seen in your life?

Mannerist Sculpture