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.
Were his figures controversial because they were nudes...or some other reason?
ReplyDeleteI like how this sculpture has a shadow behind it. Neat!
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.
ReplyDeleteNice sculpture, Jack, I like the shadow too.
ReplyDeleteI like his work. To be controversial is always a good form of advertising...
ReplyDeleteLove the little art lesson today. Posts where we learn something are simply the best.
ReplyDeleteOur thumbnails are side by side on the CDP site today! I'm just out visiting "neighbors." Have yourself a great weekend!
Janis
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.
ReplyDeleteAlways fun when this happens/
This is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteVery nice work!
ReplyDeleteThis statue is really interesting, thanks for all information!
ReplyDeleteLéia
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!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Seen from Europe, the problems some Americans have with nudity seems very strange and completely out of time.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the statue and its shadow are quite beautyful!
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.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I think the shadow might be my favorite part of this picture though.
ReplyDeleteThey did a good job lighting it and you did an excellent job capturing the shadow!
ReplyDeleteThe names are familiar but I wouldn't have guessed. Love that shadow!
ReplyDeleteNot controversial nowadays. Great shot!
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. has always had a problem with nudity. For reasons I won't go into at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI see you keep turning around when someone is taking your profile pic. I'm trying to figure out your angle!
:-)
I think I prefer the Buffalo Dancer.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting sculpture and new sculptor to me!
ReplyDeleteIt's quite realistic. I've never heard of this sculptor either. Although I suspect I may have seen his work before. :)
ReplyDelete