La Crainte des Traits de l'Amour, a famous renaissance sculpture, made in 1730; by Jean-Louis Lemoyne. (RIGHT)
The Rape of the Sabine Women, another quite famous renaissance sculture made 1574-82, by Giovanni da Bologna. (LEFT)
Personally, I believe that the song, Clair De Lune, written and composed by Claude Debussy; is a perfect representation for the two pieces of art I have chosen. Each note, either high or low; is filled with rhythm and emotion. Meaning 'Moonlight', in French; is the the third segment in Suite bergamasque, a four-movement composition for piano by Debussy (1890-1905).
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The Fear of Cupid's Darts, (1739-40), Marble, Height: 182 cm, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Our first sculpture, on the right, is La Crainte des Traits de l'Amour. Which was made in 1739 by Jean-Louis Lemoyne. In the sculpture, the woman displayed appears startled, holding a self-protective gesture as Cupid presents himself. Lemoyne was a French sculptor whose commonly known works were commissioned by Louis XIV and Louis XV. Many of his sculptures are featured in major art museums, including the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. Today, two other sculptures exist: one in the Chicago Art Museum and another in a private collection.
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Abduction of a Sabine Woman, (1579-1583), Marble, Height: 410cm (13ft, 5tn), Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence.
The second sculpture is composed in the figura serpentinata style. It is called 'Abduction of a Sabine Woman' (or The Rape of the Sabine Women). The Abduction of a Sabine Woman was made from a single block of white marble, which, at the time of its creation, became the largest block ever transported to Florence for the practice of sculpting. The sculpture depicts three nude figures: one woman and two men. One man is grabbing onto the woman as she attempts to escape. The other man sumptuously watches as he slightly sheils his eyes. It represents an event in ancient Roman history. Romulus, the king at the time, kidnapped Sabine women for the Roman men to give them someone to have children with. This work of art represents a tragic and violent moment in history, displaying the sadness of the event. Currently, the Abduction of a Sabine Woman is held in Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, which is known for holding a copy of Michelangelo's David statue and the gallery of statues in the Loggia dei Lanz.
As you listen to the soft echo of the piano, take a second look at each sculpture, and feel the tragedy of each work of art; as they stand still in time; lifeless.
