Figurative Sculpture

Procedure:

Study the work of several sculptors. The human body/form has long been a subject of sculptors from ancient times to present. Use the selected sites below to begin your journey.

1.) Write down your own question that you would like to answer about sculpture. Write an answer if you are able to find one on the sites selected for viewing. If unable to find an answer to your question, what resources would you use to locate an answer?

2.) Who was the sculptor, George Segal, and how did he work?

3.) View The Dancers by George Segal (please view the largest image). Notice that this is a bronze sculpture that has been given a plaster patina!

(a) What kinds of emotions do the figures express?
(b) What kind of movement is implied?
(c) How does the placement of the figures add to the meaning?
(d) What do you lose by viewing a sculpture of such scale on a computer screen?
(e) How would your feelings change about this sculpture if you were to see this work in person?

The Thinker by Auguste Rodin. 1904

4.) Compare Segal’s work to the work of Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin. Be sure to look at the Burghers of Calais by Rodin and the dancers by Degas. BONUS: What is a "burgher"? Scroll down and study the models for Burghers of Calais.

WebMuseum: August Rodin biography and images

The Sculpture of Auguste Rodin photographs from Boston College

The Sculpture of Edgar Degas photographs from Boston College

5.) Select one of the sites on Renaissance sculpture. Choose one of the works and discuss what you think the sculptor was trying to communicate (include name of sculptor and title of work).

Renaissance Sculpture Slides from Boston College

Renaissance Sculpture Works from Thais Italy (site is in Italian - but has some information in English)

6.) Choose any of the following George Segal sculptures to critique.

(a.) Which one did you select and why?
(b.) What medium or media did he use?
(c.) Give a brief description of what you see
(d.) What was Segal trying to communicate?
(e.) How would it be different to view this sculpture in person? How would emotional impact change?

Walking Man: KET Distance Learning slide

Smithsonian American Art Museum Enter Segal in last name. The Curtain or The Restaurant | Art That Turns Life Inside Out Smithsonian Magazine (Archive)

Abraham and Isaac: In Memory of May 4, 1970, Kent State University. Also Rush Hour

A view of The Diner

Chance Meeting Modern Art Museum- Fort Worth

More images of Segal's sculptures can be found in a Google image search

7.) Study Morandi's Still Life by George Segal. How do you think it was made?

Morandi's Still Life - This is the painting that Segal based his sculpture on.

8.) See how some other artists present three dimensional space. Compare the work of Ed Kienholtz and Ben Vautier to the sculptural environments you have seen by Segal. Exhibit at the Walker Art Center.

9.) Find out more about George Segal's work for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D. C. (look in Artists and Architects)