Works of Art I Know

Louis XIV at the Age of Five, 1643

Jacques Sarazin, French 

My First Reactions: 

This sculpture uses the use of texture so that it provides more life and depth to the sculpture without any color. Texture is used on the hair, clothing, and wreath especially well. I think texture was made with some sort of fire or metal tools because the bust is made out of pure bronze and for that reason Sarazin would not have been able to use his bare hands to mold and form it. 

Works of Art I Know

Man on a Bench, 1997-1998

Duane Hanson, American

My First Impressions:

I was struck by how real this sculpture is. I think that Hanson was trying to portray the sadness and slowness of oldness and illness. The man looks to be contemplative and tired, even though he just went to go fetch his mail.

What I've Learned: 

This sculpture portrays the aspect of life and death. This man is supposed to be just making his way through life, one day at a time, slowly drifting into death. Hanson makes his sculptures that are consider to be in the Pop Movement and classify under the category of hyperrealism through lifecasting. He tends to make his art revolving around the daily life of working-class citizens. He uses materials such as bronze and epoxy resin to make the models and then fits them with real hair and clothing to make them particularly life like. 

Sources:

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/duane_hanson.htm 

Works of Art I Know