The Angel of Death and the Sculptor - Research Paper Example

? Representations of Culture through Artistic Expressions: The Angel of Death and the Sculptor Laura Torres Art 21032 Handy Introduction The ability to make a statement and expression which pertains to a time period is one of the concerns of many artists. This provides insight into the historical components and makes statements which link to the belief systems, historical relationships and culture of a given region. When looking at “The Angel of Death and the Sculptor” from the Milmore Memorial, made by Daniel Chester French (1850-1913), there is a direct relationship to the cultural and religious beliefs of the time. The sculpture is able to portray and reflect expressions which are associated with the social standpoint of the time and which are inclusive of the values. By evaluating the different parts of the sculptor, one is also able to understand parts of the society, culture, history and belief systems that were a part of this time frame. Research Questions The analysis of the sculpture will define various aspects of not only the artistic work of French, but will also create an understanding of the social connections to this time. Specifically, this paper will ask: How does the sculpture relate to the history of the time? How does the sculpture display the beliefs of the time? How does the sculpture link to the culture and society? What expressions does the sculptor try to make in relation to his beliefs? The analysis of these different questions not only defines the attributes of the sculpture, but also creates a link from the art work to the historical and social components of the time. By doing this, there is the ability to create a deeper understanding of how the art work is an expression of the era, specifically with the beliefs that are associated with this. Background and Visual Analysis Daniel Chester French was born in 1850 and died in 1913 and was recognized as one of the best American sculptors of his time. He was born in New Hampshire to a lawyer and US treasury secretary. His roots were quickly defined in American patriotism with his links and friendship with Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Alcott Family. After high school, French attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; however, he left quickly to help his father on the farm. He began painting after being influenced by art work from a visit to New York City and received his first commission for a statue known as “The Minute Man.” By 1913, French had received a Fellow at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was afterwards consistently recognized for his works. He was a founding member of the National Sculpture Society and was a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as other artistic groups. The works he is best known for is the “Abraham Lincoln” sculpture at the Lincoln Memorial, Pulitzer Prize medal, and “Statue of the Republic.” Most of French’s works are consistent with the Revolution of America as the main theme as well as the historical aspects of each design1. The “Angel of Death and the Sculptor” is one of a few of the works which French did based on cemetery areas that were in use. The commission came from Boston sculptor Martin Milmore and was based on the memory of his brother, Joseph. The original statue was made in bronze and was caste in Massachusetts. However, it quickly gained wide recognition and was offered a space in the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The replica of the bronze was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1917 and was then re-carved in marble in 1926 to be placed at the memorial2. These concepts were used and recognized as a way of honoring the memorial that was built while basing the memorial around the honor of the Civil War and the independence of America. This was combined with the healing process that was used for the war and in response to the lives that were lost to gain freedom through the land3. The different techniques which were used at this time were a combination of subject matter with basic ideologies which were followed. The subject matter was based around the patriotism and memorial concepts of the time. The techniques were furthered by incorporating techniques reminiscent of past times. A concept which was used often was the French impressionist technique, specifically which combined subject matter with capturing a defined theme. This is combined with the older concepts used from the Greek and Roman time periods, specifically which was based on using mathematical formulas for proportionate forms, such as having the space captured 2/3 from one side and creating the different sculpture forms so they have an element of realism and perfect proportions throughout the piece. The elements were furthered with the Baroque and Renaissance styles that were based on the ideas of aesthetically pleasing works that had proportions which were seen as the most natural.4 When looking at this particular sculpture, it can be seen that the layers provide a sense of memorial with the main ideology. The subject matter is one which combines the sculptor, who is holding out his hand, and which is taking a key from the angel. The eye is immediately drawn to these perspectives, as seen in image 1. Image 1: The Angel of Death and the Sculptor The perspective is not only from the angel giving the key to the sculptor, but also draws the eye to the background, which has the image of the sphinx, representative of the mysteries of Egypt that are not opened yet. The subject matter becomes one based on a sculptor finding inspiration and walking into the unknown to find the keys and mysteries. The depiction that is given is followed by the details which are used by French to depict this specific image. The first part to this is the proportions which are used. The proportion of the angel is significantly larger than the sculptor, seen in her bending slightly to give the key and in the sculptor stepping up to a board to take the key. The proportion is important in defining the main concept and becomes metaphorical as the angel is able to represent a type of power toward the sculpture and which is combined with the metaphor of having a key of inspiration with the unknown. The concept of this being a part of a memorial combines with this, specifically as it is the angel of death which is giving the key to the sphinx and to the inspiration which the sculptor is grabbing toward. The second aspect which can be looked into with the sculpture is with the detailing and lines that are used with each area. The figures each have details with the clothing and form that creates a direct proportion and which draws the eye to the center key that is a part of the main image. The angel is able to depict this with the details of the clothing, specifically with the pleats that are seen in the dress, head veil that is worn and the wings that are aligned from various sides. Each of these forms in various ways to create a different focus, while the gaze of the angel moves to the center of the key. The same approach is taken to with the sculptor, specifically with the details of his pant leg that is bent and which has a tear on the side as well as the shirt that has a pleat in the center. The sculptor is also holding onto the side of the bench to show proportion and detail. Each of these details are used to point to the key and use specific alignments to show proportion, symmetrical aspects and assist with the focus of taking the key. Review of Literature Even though the content of the sculpture is based on the specific details of the angel giving a key to the sculptor, there are other aspects that relate to the period and the culture of the time. When examining the intent, overall historical attributes and the popularity of this piece, it can be seen that there are different approaches which were used, all which helped to define a specific aspect of the belief systems of the time. The images that are seen in the sculpture move beyond the basic content and into the time frame that was accepting the specific beliefs and ideologies of the time. The first concept which can be seen with the sculpture is based on the attitudes toward death that were associated with this as well as the attitudes toward gravestones. The concept of death during this time was considered as sociological, specifically with one who had contributed to the society and which was combined with the belief that a sense of grief or serenity was left behind with those who survived. The taboo that followed the attitudes toward death were combined with the concept of what would happen after death, how this related to the revelation about one’s life and what lived on with the memory of the individual5. When looking at this concept, the approach and attitude to death is seen with the angel of death, representative of the afterlife, and the representation of the sculptor, which shows that the one who died left behind keys to the sculptor for inspiration. The attitudes toward death are seen with the concept of what was left behind and the angel that passes on these ideals was a basis of the beliefs in terms of the sociology of death. The second aspect which is related to the sculpture and the main ideologies comes from the rhetoric that was used in the American era and the relationships which was associated with the belief systems. The first was the religious beliefs, which held strong routes in the Christian ideologies, specifically seen through the angelic being. The second was based on the sense of patriotism and heroism that was displayed, specifically because of the end of the Civil War and the memory of those who are a part of this. Keeping the memory of the sacrifices which individuals made in times of war was one of the approaches, specifically so the ideologies of freedom would be remembered. From this perspective, the angel becomes the one which passed on, specifically because he was known for fighting for freedom. Passing the key to inspiration and greater things becomes the main theme, specifically with creating a public memory of the idea of the war dying and passing on a future which would be better than before. The ideology was to use the cemetery and the sculptures as a public memory of the past and the ideology that it would lead into a better future6. Another aspect which is considered with the sculpture is from the social and cultural ideologies of the time that were linked to the concepts of the spiritual meeting the realistic. A belief was based on the characteristics of the spiritual being able to come and meet the human elements and work with them. This was combined with the ideal that living beings were able to have the morality and spirituality which came from muses and figures of the other that were able to convey specific messages and ideologies to the realistic concepts. The artistic knowledge of this perception was combined with the approach of creating something that was pleasing aesthetically and which created a sense of allure from the main creation. By showing this perspective, there was the ability to combine the attraction of the figures with the belief that spirituality and reality could combine7. The main symbolism was also inclusive of other symbols that are portrayed and which were well – known by society at the time. For instance, the folds of a dress were often known as a symbol of charity and humanity and created an approach toward a sense of giving. It was known that this came with the outcome of the war, which was expected to bring new levels of prosperity and humanity while showing humanity with the recovery of those that were living in this time. The aesthetics were also considered symbols, specifically where the spiritual side was more aesthetically pleasing than the other, while the other represented the realistic point of view. The effects were to create both a civic and didactic role while creating a sense of memory over the ideas of freedom and spirituality. This was known to create not only a basis with the perspectives, but also worked as a basis against the changes which were occurring after gaining freedom in America, including industrialization, urbanization, immigration and other movements into contemporary society. These all took aside the natural artistry which many of the artists were interested in gaining back8. The overall ideologies which were based on the concepts of allure, identity of the natural and the movement into appeal were further combined with the social implications based on mythology. To contrast with the movement toward industrialization, there was also a set of components that moved back into the romantic vision of what it meant to die, live and to be inspired. Emerson, the Alcotts and other Americans during the time were part of the romantic and naturalist movement that was based on the era. To express these aspects, there was an approach with the arts to create a sense of attractiveness and pleasure with the work, specifically to define the symbolism of love and romanticism. The concept was combined with death as a proponent of becoming inspired and holding the same sense of beauty. This was based on the concept of death and aesthetics being intermixed into a type of seduction because of the romantic ideals behind sacrificing one’s life for something greater. This was directly from the beliefs of the Renaissance Era and led through the romantic era as an expression of love and mystery9. This particular concept is not only important with the interpretation of the angel giving the key to the sculptor. The ideal of placing this over a cemetery headstone as a memorial plays into the same romantic and naturally pleasing ideologies that were known during this specific period. The specific sculpture takes place as a rendition of an architectural sculpture, which is based on the intent of using the sculpture as a part of the cemetery. This was a common practice of the time, specifically because it was believed that the artistic works beautified the ideas of death and made the remembrance one that led to public memory of what others left behind. The concept of building an angel that is giving a key to a sculptor depicts the romantic ideology as well as the belief of public memory in which one individual was able to leave behind a myth and a legend. The concept of the architecture containing a decoration first then provides a sense of romanticism over the death. It also makes a statement about how one lives on, despite the sleep of death, making the mystery and the myth of the spiritual even stronger by depicting aesthetic beauty over the cemetery area10. Analysis When looking at both the artistic analysis and the components of the literature review, it can be seen that the meaning of the sculpture changes with the context and the understanding of the culture. However, the main point of the sculpture is one which continues to be seen through time and doesn’t change. The universal theme of the sculpture can still be analyzed, while the understanding of the time frame, society, culture and the belief systems are able to alter the way in which the sculpture is look at and changes the understanding of what the social and cultural beliefs are at the time. When looking at the meaning from the analysis, there is a clear understanding that an angel is passing a key to a sculptor. This emphasis of this shows a deeper meaning that is hidden behind this gesture. It is not until the understanding of the social and cultural beliefs, as well as the historical components, that more concepts are seen. The symbolism, links to the history and the cultural understanding is able to create a different link to the sculpture and the depth of what it means. For instance, the symbolism of the dress of the angel is one which links directly to the historical components of the time and the ideals of humanity. More important, it links to the concepts of freedom from the war and the desire to remain with the natural elements of America, as opposed to moving into the industry and growth which was beginning to move forward. These different aspects show a depth to the sculpture and create a different meaning for the artistic work that is presented. The ideologies which are shown in the sculpture then work not only as an artistic expression. The expression is reflective of the era, expectations of the time period and the ability to create a specific understanding of different social and cultural concepts and beliefs. The deeper representations that were a part of this and which stood for the main ideals of the cemetery artwork then created a different and deeper understanding of the period. The fame and recognition which this specific piece gained, as well as the renditions which added into this also added into the various aspects of the sculpture and the layered meanings which it represented. When looking at the historical aspects, the ideal of the sculpture doesn’t display only one element. The history is inclusive of the war toward freedom that was fought, the giving of one’s life as a sacrifice for this and the ideals of death which were combined with this. This concept was combined with the historical elements of the natural and how it was being lost to industrialization. The concepts continued with the ideas of what this meant in terms of the myths of death, relationships to romanticism and religion and with the concepts of both the present time and the past philosophies that were based on culture and beliefs. Instead of the sculpture only having a basic interpretation, analysis and meaning, there is an understanding that there are several dimensions and layers that are hidden in the sculpture. The location, different symbolism and the identity which it carried at this specific time period was able to create the impressions and understanding that were a part of this span of time and which are all reflected in the sculpture. Conclusion The artistic work which is from French and the rendition of “The Angel of Death and the Sculptor,” create a specific universal statement about inspiration and the angelic meaning of giving a key to the sculptor. However, when looking at the cultural, social and historical meanings, there is an understanding of the deeper beliefs and philosophies which were a part of the era. French is able to combine various symbols and elements of artistic technique to create different understandings and interpretations of the work while providing different insight into the ideology of the time period. When looking at this piece, it can be interpreted from the philosophy of universal truth it holds in relation to the angel and sculptor. However, when understanding the several conflicts and changes which were taking place socially and historically, a different meaning and several ideologies are presented with the overall work. Works Cited Adams, Adeline. The Spirit of American Sculpture. Kessinger Publishing: New York, 2005. Agard, WR. The New Architectural Sculpture. Routledge: New York, 1985. Binion, Rudolph. Love Beyond Death: The Anatomy of a Myth in the Arts. NYU Press: New York, 1993. Craven, Wayne. Sculpture in America Crowell Company: New York, 1968. Hijiya, James. “American Gravestones and Attitudes Toward Death: A Brief History.” Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 127 (5), 1983 Kowalski, Philip. “From Memory to Memorial: Representative Men in the Sculpture of Daniel Chester French.” Journal of American Studies (41), 2007. Percoco, James. “Monumental Experiences: a Classroom Application of American Sculpture.” OAH Magazine of History 6 (4), 1992. Reynolds, Donald Martin. Masters of American Sculptures. First Edition. New York, N.Y.: Abbeville Press Inc., 1993. Searl, Marjorie. Seeing America: Painting and Sculpture from the Collection of the Memorial Art Gallery. University of Rochester Press: New York, 2006 Wright, Elizabethada. “Rhetorical Spaces in Memorial Places: The Cemetery as a Rhetorical Memory Place / Space.” Rhetoric Society Quarterly 35 (4), 2005 Read More