Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Close-Up III: Thomas Cole

This is less a post about technique than about appreciation.  Just look at the beautiful carving of this marvelous bust of the artist Thomas Cole by the Boston sculptor Horatio Greenough.  
This bust is in a suite of rooms at the Wadsworth Atheneum that shows multiple large landscape paintings by Cole and Frederick Church.

For several months in 1831, Cole and Greenough lived together in Florence, Italy, where this bust was sculpted. 

20 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

Dear Jack
Beautiful pictures and I'm delighted by the last shot.It's perfect! :)
***I think Mr Cole was handsome.
Léia

Dianne said...

A Wonderful capture of brilliant workmanship Jack.... The texture of the skin appears so life-like ...the work of a genius.

VP said...

Ansolutely great in every sense and perfectly photographed. You have a great museum!

Unknown said...

Yes - amazing!

Halcyon said...

I thi k you should be the museum's official photographer. That first shot is excellent! Love the slight shadows on the face. You have really brought out the beauty of this artitst's work through your photography. :)

Sharon said...

It's almost like you could talk to him!

Kate said...

Looks like a very serious fellow.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Beautifully shown Jack, the light and shadows are perfect. Is it sculpted in alabaster?

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

This is a beautiful sculpture and I wondered like Grace if it was alabaster. The purity of color is exquisite.

Bises,
Genie

Virginia said...

Oh and this is more about how beautifully you composed the top photograph. Reminds me of a bust I saw at Malmaison of Napolean. Actually that one was très flattering of the Emperor I think! :)

Well captured Jack!
V

Sylvia K said...

It is a fantastic sculpture, Jack, and I do love your photos and the details you've caught so perfectly! Great composition! Hope your week is going well!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

The close-up is SO beautiful! What a great shot, Jack.

RedPat said...

Wonderful shot of the close-up! He does look tres serious.

cieldequimper said...

Italy inspires beauty... Both your large shots are superb, it is a perfect sculpture.

Regina K said...

Jack, I am beginning to think you are a docent, you know the museum and art so well. All photos are great but that last shot is spectacular.

Bruce Clark said...

Another great series of shots, Jack. Love that bottom shot and its feeling it gives you knowing your at a museum.

EG CameraGirl said...

Amazingly smooth and full of details.

SRQ said...

The close-up really shows off the smooth detail. Very nice, Jack!

Randy said...

Nice bust.

Anonymous said...

Love this... it looks smooth and chilled... the light is splendid!