Friday, January 20, 2012

NBMAA Week: Pan of Rohallion

Frederick MacMonnies apprenticed with the American sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, in the early 1880s.  Saint-Gaudens urged MacMonnies to study in Paris, so he went there in 1884.  MacMonnies was very successful in France for decades, winning many prizes and commissions.  His figures were often nudes, designed for outdoor placements. 

MacMonnies returned to America shortly after World War I broke out. His nudes were more controversial in the United States.

This is a replica.  The statue was commissioned by a wealthy banker who permitted MacMonnies to make replicas so long as they were smaller than his original.  The Library of Congress also has a replica.

20 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

Were his figures controversial because they were nudes...or some other reason?

I like how this sculpture has a shadow behind it. Neat!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

and was one of the other conditions that he had a 'strategically ' placed 'something' over his bits and pieces!! I like the way you've captured his shadow perfectly on the wall there to the side of him Jack! I hope you have a fab weekend.

Karl said...

Nice sculpture, Jack, I like the shadow too.

VP said...

I like his work. To be controversial is always a good form of advertising...

Greensboro Daily Photo said...

Love the little art lesson today. Posts where we learn something are simply the best.

Our thumbnails are side by side on the CDP site today! I'm just out visiting "neighbors." Have yourself a great weekend!

Janis

Kate said...

Controversial? We certainly were (are?) a Puritanical society in some respects. The mythical Pan always conjures up images of spring for me in both literature and poetry. I immediately thought of e.e. cummings poem, in just spring, and reread it before I commented.
Always fun when this happens/

Sharon said...

This is just gorgeous!

Luis Gomez said...

Very nice work!

Cezar and Léia said...

This statue is really interesting, thanks for all information!
Léia

Sylvia K said...

Terrific statue and a wonderful photo and post for the day, Jack! It seems nudes have always been more controversial in the US than other countries. I really like this one! Enjoy your day!

Sylvia

Malyss said...

Seen from Europe, the problems some Americans have with nudity seems very strange and completely out of time.
BTW, the statue and its shadow are quite beautyful!

Kay said...

I've been enjoying the visit through the NBMAA. What a wonderful resource it is! Thank you for all the gorgeous posts and accompanying details.

Lois said...

Very nice! I think the shadow might be my favorite part of this picture though.

RedPat said...

They did a good job lighting it and you did an excellent job capturing the shadow!

cieldequimper said...

The names are familiar but I wouldn't have guessed. Love that shadow!

Regina K said...

Not controversial nowadays. Great shot!

Lowell said...

The U.S. has always had a problem with nudity. For reasons I won't go into at the moment.

I see you keep turning around when someone is taking your profile pic. I'm trying to figure out your angle!

:-)

Randy said...

I think I prefer the Buffalo Dancer.

joo said...

Very interesting sculpture and new sculptor to me!

Halcyon said...

It's quite realistic. I've never heard of this sculptor either. Although I suspect I may have seen his work before. :)