Archive for category Architectural Sculpture
Romanesque Sculpture – A Tryst With Creative Excellence
Posted by in Architectural Sculpture on August 4, 2011
“Romanesque” is a term used to describe Western European Art from the late tenth to twelfth century AD. During this period, the end of barbaric invasions and a period of economic growth brought about an era of religious revival, led by the reform movements springing from ‘Monasticism.’ This interest in religion by the masses manifested itself in pilgrimages and a competition between various communities to build impressive new churches. Romanesque sculpture was figurative in style, and can be discussed under two heads, the architectural sculptures for adorning the buildings, and the standard ones involving ivory, metal, or enamel works.
Romanesque Architectural Sculpture
The most fulfilling spiritual act for a devout Christian in those times would be a pilgrimage to Rome, or to one of the many shrines in Europe, housing holy relics. Romanesque architectural sculpture sprung up as decorations in these pilgrimage centers and churches.
There were many different subjects that were depicted, both secular and religious, such as scenes from the “life of Christ,” stories from the “Bible” & “the book of Genesis,” scenes from “common everyday life,” “hideous monsters,” and “geometric forms.” The facades of the cathedrals and churches were adorned with the scenes from the “New and Old Testament.” The images of “Christ in Majesty” and the “Last Judgment” were the commonest subjects. With Romanesque churches, relief sculpture emerged to be as important to the church as the building itself. Read the rest of this entry »
History of the Statue of Liberty
Posted by in Architectural Sculpture on August 4, 2011
A statue of a pale lady stands against the shadows of New York skyline holding a torch in one hand with an arm raised and clutching a nook close to her breast. Her face is etched with an expression of hope and she faces towards the Atlantic Ocean. This statue of the lady is the ever famous ‘Statue of Liberty’. It is a symbol of hope and peace that was gifted by the French to the American people.
France and the Unites States had developed a formidable friendship during the American Revolution because the French had supported Americans against the British rule. This historical event led France to develop a respect for America’s success with establishing democracy.
After a hundred years, this admiration became a topic for a small group of French intellectuals at a party hosted by a well known personality Edouard Rene Lefebvre de Laboulaye. This group comprised of individuals who were opposed to the regime of Napoleon III.
The talk was focused on close ties between France and America. There was sympathy and admiration in the voices of the guests. Laboulaye observed this sympathy between the two nations and called them the two sisters. Looking forward towards the America’s independence celebrations, Laboulaye thought of an idea to present US with a lasting memorial. One of the guest, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi was impressed with Laboulaye’s idea. He was a sculptor and was deeply interested to create the masterpiece.
Success in grand projects encouraged Bartholdi to create the Statue of Liberty’s colossal size. He had received his first commission at an early age for creating the first public monument which was a statue of General Jean Rapp. The statue was his claim of fame. Read the rest of this entry »