Ecorché Sculpture
Item
Identifier
Eph1.6
Is Part Of
Danforth Art Museum Ephemera
Subject
Ephemera
Title
Ecorché Sculpture
Date
20th Century
Material
Ceramic
Physical Description
28"
Description
Ceramic sculpture of a man with muscles and attachments showing. In a contrapposto pose. One arm is reaching outwards, but is missing.
Provenance
Gift of Meta V. W. Fuller Trust
Location
Fuller Gallery 204 Studio
Bibliographic Citation
French Neoclassical sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) created the original 1766 sculpture based on his direct observation of human anatomy. An écorché, meaning flayed figure, allows the viewer to see the musculature beneath the skin. Academies and schools purchased copies such as this one as essential training tools for artists. Fuller's acquisition demonstrates her dedication to the figural tradition.