In today's world, portraying a naked adult man in a close relationship to a naked infant would generate an outrage. But, this 1774 terra-cotta sculpture --
Faun Holding an Infant Faun -- was mainstream in the 18th century, I guess. It is by Jacques-François-Joseph Saly.
Let's be clear. I have NO problem with this lovely lady, but the full frontal nude would be a bit much in a modern American mainstream work. Fortunately, there were no such reservations in the France of 1799. This classical ewer is by Sigisbert- François Michel, who worked out of a Paris workshop.
Both are from the Wadsworth Atheneum's current exhibition of French works from the museum's collection.
I wonder if Google has censors . . .
We don't ask ourself such questions in Europe.Maybe because We know classic greek and roman ancient arts. We are accostumed to such naked statues. I'm always surprised that American people have such thoughts in mind .
ReplyDeleteGreat works! Our Neptune fountain has four Nereids in the same pose of that lady, but they are also sprinkling water...
ReplyDeleteA faun is half-goat. So no problem. You know what goats are like. Right?
ReplyDeleteI do like that ewer, though! That's quite incredible.
And it is likely you'll have to put that "Adult content" thingy on your blog header! :-)
Even by today's standards, I don't find these pieces shocking. I think there's alot more shocking stuff in modern art than in these pieces. Which are very nice, by the way! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous exhibition Jack, show us more!!
ReplyDeleteSo, the question is have we progressed!
ReplyDeleteThe French have more open minded views about body parts being depicted in art. Before the euro, they had Joan of Arc on their money in a heroic pose in which she had one breast exposed. That would never have happened in the USA.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Diego Rivera murals in the capitol building in Mexico City would never be allowed in the US Capitol. They might spark protest even if showed in a art museum.
When I was about 10 years old, my mother was "let go" as the art history professor at a local Catholic college for showing her class the statue of David and other works. She later in life added details to the story, about some "flippant" remarks she said to a student about a painting. These may have added to her crime. Something to do with "virginity" and how only a doctor could answer the student's questions.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine this happening now, but I could be wrong...
Art is interpreted through the lens of current moral norms and values. These are ever changing, but we have yet to fully escape our Victorian sense of modesty here in the U.S. Perhaps the artist was attempting to portray beauty and tenderness. If so I think he succeeded. These are fine photos of great art.
ReplyDeleteI think these are fantastic, Jack!! I'm afraid some of the "morals" in our country are seriously screwed, but I won't go any further with that thought! Thank you for sharing these, I love them!! Wishing you and your family a most wonderful, safe and beautiful Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading all the comments above as well as your post and beautiful photos. When I was in Italy back in May, we took a tour of the Vatican Museum with an art historian. It was so very educational. She talked about the period when some of the statues and paintings were 'adjusted' to cover the nakedness. Thankfully, most of the works are now viewed in their originality.
ReplyDeleteIn my humble opinion, we spend far to much time getting worked up about nudity and far too little time getting worked up about violence in this country.
ReplyDeleteIt's so odd how violence is okay to show even on TV but a bit of tasteful nudity gets some people so riled up. It's a strange world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Malyss.
ReplyDeleteWhat could be more tender than father and son? Not all relationships between fathers and children are... well... you know...
I'm with Malyss and Ciel.
ReplyDeleteThis is Art and your photos are splendid.
Ha, you sure are prude over there. Great works of art they are.
ReplyDeleteAmerica was founded by Puritans and so the value of artistic nudity was lost on our culture, I think. However, it is strange that violence is so accepted.
ReplyDeleteThey really are lovely. What talent!
ReplyDeleteNot my kind of art but I am sure there are fans out there.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine anyone objecting to artistic nudity. I don't think that Americans are that provencial or puritanical. I'd love to own these pieces!
ReplyDeleteYour visits to the museum(s) are always a treat, Jack. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteLove the last one, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Jack! Wonderfully composed detailed shots.
ReplyDeletehahaha, you are right..
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