Figurative Sculpture

Sculpture that depicts the human figure as its subject matter.

• The human figure was one of the earliest subjects in sculpture.

• Some of the very first carvings were of human figures and used for talismanic or religious purposes.

Venus of Willendorf, 25,000 BC

Lion Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel28,000 bc.

Cycladic Figurine2,600 bc

Ideal Proportions

• Developed by Greeks to depict an ideal human being.

• This individual was intended to display a perfect balance between mental and physical attributes.

• The Greeks favored symmetry and balance so their sculptures depicted a figure of balanced athleticism and intellect.

Ideal Proportions

Kouros, 585 bc Spear Bearer, 440 bc

Before the use of Ideal proportions. Sculpture with the ideal proportions.

Contrapposto

• A way of sculpting the human figure in a natural pose with the weight of the body balanced on one leg while the other is free and relaxed.

• Allowed sculptors to understand the relationship between the hips and the shoulders during natural movement or when the body is rested in a natural pose.

• This understanding allowed sculptors to create free standing sculptures with amazing realism and naturalness.

• Usually the hip of the supporting leg is lifted while the other hip is lowered. In a rested position, the shoulders tend to alternate with the hips.

Examples of the use of Contrapposto.Notice the shoulder and hip axis.

The Scraper, 330bc. David, 1504Medici Venus, 1638 Venus de Milo, 130-100bc

Examples of more dramatic movement in Figurative sculptures.

Notice the shoulder and hip axis.

Discuss Thrower, 460-450 bc. Athlete David, 1623

Wired Figures Sculpture Project

• Criteria:– The sculpture must be free standing.– The Sculpture must be at least 18” in height or

total length.– The pose must suggest action and movement.– The figure must have volume. (occupy 3-

dimensional space).