Humanities - Sculpture Assignment

Directions and Rubric

C) DO NOT present this as an outline. Present it in paragraph form as you would any paper.

In the first paragraph identify the set of sculptures that were chosen and which of those two appealed to you the most. This is your opinion but don't use the terminology in this opening. But, remember that you will be referring to it later. You may even want to develop this part last. Avoid using the word details in this opening statement.

In the second paragraph choose one of the sculptures and discuss both implied and actual texture. The discussion of texture only needs to be applied to one of the sculptures. Remember that all things have actual textures (textures that really exist and can be felt). In sculpture these actual textures are more prevalent and relevant than in paintings. Many sculptures also have implied textures - those that can be imagined because of how the work is presented, but would not feel that way if we actually touched the sculpture.

In the third paragraph identify the sculpture that was not used for texture and apply a sculpture term to it. There were several other sculpture terms (not elements or principles terms) identified within the sculpture lecture and reinforcement (contrapposto, patina, tableau, etc.) Do not use medium or technique unless how it impacts the subject matter can be successfully applied. You may want to select this one before selecting the one to which you will apply implied texture. Do not use relief, undercut, or 'in the round' for this part as they are covered in other parts of the assignment.

In the fourth paragraph identify which of the sculptures is 'in relief' and determine whether it is in low relief or high relief. Make sure you know how to identify the types of relief. Give rationale for your choice. Then, discuss how viewing this specific sculpture 'in the round' communicates differently from the one 'in relief'. Do NOT just state that it can be seen from various points of view. Rather discuss how that fact makes this particular sculpture communicate differently in some way.

In the last paragraph choose sculpture terminology from your post. Discuss how it reinforces your opening statement. If you cannot discuss how it reinforces your opening statement, then adjust your opening statement to make that application easier. But, do not use the terminology in that opening statement. Use it in the closing one.

Sample

The set of sculptures selected is “Abraham” from The Gates of Paradise sculpted by Lorenzo Ghiberti, and “Pieta” sculpted by Michelangelo. “Abraham” is interesting not only because it presents two scenes within one work, but that it is one panel of many in The Gates of Paradise. However, the drama of the “Pieta” is a much more compelling work as the pain of Mary’s loss is so clearly portrayed in the work.

Michelangelo’s “Pieta” is one of the greatest sculptures of all time, made even greater by the fact that it is carved out of one piece of marble. Although the finished sculpture has a smooth actual texture, many of the implied textures are enhanced through his shaping the marble into those folds, which if one were to touch it would have the expected curves and spaces. However, the implied textures are the ones that make the work such a convincing masterpiece. The skin seems soft and supple rather than hard and cold. The apparel seems to have a softness and delicate texture that visually appears to be real. Even the piercing of Jesus’ hands and feet have been given special attention.

Ghiberti’s “Abraham” also has elements of implied texture, but its real interest is that of combining two elements of Abraham’s life into one panel. The two vignettes are of Abraham and Sarah becoming parents in their old age, and the sacrifice of Isaac. These create a tableau that details two of the most relevant parts of Abraham’s life. Note that because it is a relief, it is able to convey not only the separate scenes but a context within which each is presented.

The Ghiberti is in relief. Much of it is in low relief, but certain aspects (Abraham and the angel’s wings on the lower right, and the men on the lower left) have undercuts, which makes them in high relief. The Michelangelo is a sculpture in the round. It would be difficult to fully appreciate this sculpture from just one photograph. Looking at it from various angles reveals the details of the stigmata, as well as the rock (Golgotha) upon which Mary sits. Both sculptures tell a story, but while the Ghiberti is more objective in presenting those parts of Abraham’s life, the emotional moment of Mary’s loss is undeniable.

There are several aspects of “Pieta” that reinforce the drama of Mary’s loss - the positioning of the figures, Mary’s head bowing down, the grown man that lies in her lap, the weight almost too much to bear. But, it is the intricacy of the implied texture that really draws the viewer in to experience the mother’s loss of a child. And yet, Michelangelo makes it seem that Mary is strong, almost regal in her sorrow, that God has given her super-human strength to bear this loss.