The Private Life of a Masterpiece The Private Life of a Masterpiece: Masterpieces of Sculpture
Type
Audio/Visual
Authors
Category
Art, Documentary Film
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Publication Year
2008
Publisher
Volume
Vol. 7
Duration
147 min.
Subject
Michelangelo Buonarroti, -- 1475-1564. -- David. Degas, Edgar, -- 1834-1917. -- Little dancer. Rodin, Auguste, -- 1840-1917. -- Kiss. Masterpiece, Artistic. Art -- History. Art and society. Art appreciation. Art criticism.
Tags
Series Name
Abstract
Episode 1: Michelangelo's David
It is one of art's most noted pieces, but it took failures by two sculptors before Michelangelo completed the work in the early 16th century. The cathedral committee demanded the addition of strategic copper fig leaves. Since then, David has been stoned; survived a nose job; and lost his big toe to an attacker in 1990. This documentary reveals the techniques Michelangelo used to recreate the human body so accurately on such a vast scale, and how contrasting interpretations view it as a symbol of either military might or of freedom.
Episode 2: The Little Dancer Aged Fourteen
The cause of a major scandal when it was first exhibited in Paris in 1881, Edgar Degas's sculpture Petite danseuse de quatorze ans is now rightly recognized as one of the most important works produced during the 19th century. By using real fabric and real hair to complete the groundbreaking work, Degas blurred the distinction between art and life and paved the way for modern sculpture. Also revealed is the tragic story of the young model, 14-year-old Marie van Goetham, on whom The Little Dancer was based.
Episode 3: The Kiss
Rodin's sensual sculpture, inspired by Dante's tale of the adulterous Paolo and Francesca, depicts lovers forever intertwined in the Inferno. The film re-creates Rodin's studio in which he developed the piece before carving several versions in marble for a Paris exhibition. The one on display at Tate Modern, London, features particularly distinct male genitalia, which caused an outcry when it was first shown in England. The film also includes archival footage of The Kiss wrapped in string by artist Cornelia Parker.
It is one of art's most noted pieces, but it took failures by two sculptors before Michelangelo completed the work in the early 16th century. The cathedral committee demanded the addition of strategic copper fig leaves. Since then, David has been stoned; survived a nose job; and lost his big toe to an attacker in 1990. This documentary reveals the techniques Michelangelo used to recreate the human body so accurately on such a vast scale, and how contrasting interpretations view it as a symbol of either military might or of freedom.
Episode 2: The Little Dancer Aged Fourteen
The cause of a major scandal when it was first exhibited in Paris in 1881, Edgar Degas's sculpture Petite danseuse de quatorze ans is now rightly recognized as one of the most important works produced during the 19th century. By using real fabric and real hair to complete the groundbreaking work, Degas blurred the distinction between art and life and paved the way for modern sculpture. Also revealed is the tragic story of the young model, 14-year-old Marie van Goetham, on whom The Little Dancer was based.
Episode 3: The Kiss
Rodin's sensual sculpture, inspired by Dante's tale of the adulterous Paolo and Francesca, depicts lovers forever intertwined in the Inferno. The film re-creates Rodin's studio in which he developed the piece before carving several versions in marble for a Paris exhibition. The one on display at Tate Modern, London, features particularly distinct male genitalia, which caused an outcry when it was first shown in England. The film also includes archival footage of The Kiss wrapped in string by artist Cornelia Parker.
Description
1 videodisc (ca. 147 min.) : sd., col. with b&w sequences ; 4 3/4 in. Each segment is aprox. 50 min.
Audio: English, Subtitles in English.
Audio: English, Subtitles in English.
Number of Copies
2
