|
|
 |
|
Two Michelangelos ... but where's Donatello? |
|
written
by joeplumb / 10.24.2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Two Michelangelo sculptures |
1 of 1 |
|
| |
Assignment |
| |
These works, the “Risen Christ” and “Moses” appear initially quite similar. First of all neither sculpture is meant to be shown in the round. We can tell this by the fact that there are no elements on the back of the sculptures that seem to invite the viewer to want to look there. The “Moses”, as part of a larger piece, can only be viewed from the front. However this fact also sets “Risen Christ” and “Moses” apart. The “Risen Christ” was meant to stand alone, whereas “Moses” was made as part of a complex rather than a single statue.
The “Moses” makes more sense when we learn that it is part of a funerary monument. This accounts for the “Risen Christ” being more subtle, as noted in the prompt. Jesus, grabbing his cross, seems to come across as almost insecure, grabbing onto the thing which defines his life. His head is tilted slightly downward, as if looking down on the world with sorrow. In contrast Moses sits confidently, looking up with a stern face. There is no sign of weakness on Moses’ face, he looks almost indifferent to anything around him, as if his thoughts have taken him a thousand miles away. Another example to show this split is the fact that Moses is very clothed, whereas Jesus has only a small gilded cloth which seems just about to fall off.
Finally it is interesting to note the attention to detail in both works. “Risen Christ” has very realistic body contours while the “Moses” shows the veins in his hand and arms. The attention to detail is not spared on “Moses”, although he is designed to portray an ideal. Michelangelo works to make sure that both sculptures are realistic, even though both have very different meanings.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
