Il Pugile, or the Seated Boxer

Il Pugile is one of my favorite bronze sculptures.   I have admired it in reproductions since I was a child.  However, sculpture(like all art) must be experienced in person.  So this is yet another reason to make the pilgrimage to Rome.   It is one of the many wonderful works from the antique world housed in the museum of Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.

Il Pugile

The dating of the sculpture varies from the IV to I century BC.  Some scholars even consider it a work of the Greek sculptor Lysippos.  That is definitely discutable, but no one can deny that this piece embodies the energetic realism within the classical paradigm that Lysippos of Sicyon strived for.

Il Pugile, side view

Hellenistic art at its best connects the particular with the universal.  The seated boxer here is shown exhausted after a match, looking up towards another.  His pose, musculature and expression combine to create a work of deep artistic value.

The technical mastery comes out in the detailing.  Different metals and alloys are used to introduce color.  Dripping blood and the red of the lips are accentuated with copper inlays.  A special alloy of bronze is used to describe the bruise under an eye.

Detail of head

It is interesting how a work of art can have a meaningful existence and strong cultural impact even beyond its original context.  We know nothing about the purpose, authorship or provenance of Il Pugile.  That, however, in no way diminishes his power to communicate an aspect of the human condition.  And isn’t that what art should be about?

Bust of Celeste, life-size, terra cotta

The bust of my wife, Celeste, took the 5th Merit award in non commissioned portraits at the Portrait Society of America’s 2011 Member’s Showcase competition.

Ad Maiora, etching, 2 plate print.

I began this blog a little over a year ago with an entry on printmaking.  It seems only appropriate that I address this theme again.   Even though I have a small press, my printmaking activity has been limited recently to the time I spend in Matera and have access to the facilities at the Grafica Sette Dolori.  Apart from being a wonderful place to work, the two Maestros: Vittorio Manno and Angelo Rizzelli are generous with their expertise.  Visit their blog here.

Within the printmaking world exists the very interesting subculture of the ‘Ex Libris.’  It is latin for “from the books of..” and is essentially a small print that was placed within a book to denote its ownership.  You can find a more complete description and history here.

I was introduced to ex libris via James P Keenan, the director of the American Society of Bookplate Collectors and Designers[http://www.bookplate.org/].  (Bookplate is another term for ex libris)  He is the author of The Art of the Bookplate, 2003, Barnes and Noble.  Keenan’s enthusiasm is contagious.  Although I was aware of bookplates before, I never gave them much notice.  It is interesting how a new point of view can completely transform one’s idea about something.  The potential of Ex Libris to combine image, typography, and ownership is fascinating, especially for book lovers.  Everyone from kings and scientists to actors and historical figures commissioned bookplates for their libraries.  Keenan’s book includes examples from George III, Einstein, Paul Revere and Joan Crawford to name just a few.  Each print reflects not only the vision of the engraver but the personality of the individual for whom it was commissioned.  Keenan has a blog as well: The Ex Libris Chronicle: The International Collector is the ASBCD’s blog.  You can find it here.

Via Facebook, James saw my work and inquired if I ever considered doing a bookplate.  The one I designed for him is shown below:

It is inspired by Oscar Wilde’s Solome.

Bookplate for James P. Keenan

The above print is a mix of etching, aquatint, burin, and drypoint.

Here are several more of my designs:

Bookplate for James Edward Collins

Bookplate for Robert D. Powers

Bookplate for Collins - Hietter

Summa Veritas

Saint John the Evangelist

The above painting is on loan to the art gallery at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.  Br. Nathan Cochran is in charge of the gallery and also organizes an important National Catholic Art Competition.  Their collection is quite impressive as well.  The website can be found here.  The specific page for the gallery is here.  If you happen to be in the neighborhood, please stop by.  Below are a couple of photos of painting in the gallery.

St. John in the gallery

Primavera, terracotta, life-size

Currently on view at the National Sculpture Society’s website is an online exhibition entitled ‘Love.’  My bust of Primavera is included among the 61 selected works.  You can go directly to the show via this link.