In the comment section following this post, please record your observations regarding the above photograph. Share whatever comes to mind, and then suggest a title for the statue. Be sure to explain why you've chosen to name it as you have.
In crafting your response, remember that our purpose here is two-fold. First, we want to engage in a thoughtful, creative, and interesting exchange. The nature of that discussion will vary from week to week, and will often seem completely unrelated to the content of our lessons or classroom discussions. This will sometimes prove untrue, but is ultimately of little consequence. What matters most is that we think. Second, I want for you to write. Place your fingers on the keyboard, and make the miracle happen. Believe it or not, you are a writer. I am giving you the opportunity to prove it to the world.
There are some rules by which we must all abide.
- Practice civility. A lack of courtesy will not be tolerated in this forum. Do not take this to mean that you must practice political correctness or otherwise censor yourself. I encourage a healthy debate. I encourage originality. I simply ask that you consider your classmates' positions, elevate your diction, and thereby elevate our discourse.
- Each of us must respond to the original prompt at least once during the week. We must also reply to at least one of our classmates responses. To clarify, you will be crafting at least two comments for each post.
- Mr. D
P.S. Some of you may be interested to know that the statue in question currently resides only 60 minutes away in the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts. There you will also find a collection of work by Degas, Picasso, Manet and Monet. Field trip?
P.P.S.
In order to comment, simply click on "COMMENTS", craft your response in the space provided, and then select "Name / URL" for an identification. Type your real name, and not an alias or internet moniker. Comments that are not posted with a name will not stand, and will be removed from the discussion.
*** STRING IS CLOSED ***
42 comments:
When I see this statue, I think something along the lines of the strong helping/protecting the weak. I think a good title would be The Guardian, a fitting name.
A couple of things. First, Be sure to use your real name in responding to the prompt, and when responding to someone, please be sure to direct your comment directly to them. If you know the statue's title, please keep it under wraps for now. We'll get to it in time. Thanks everyone. I am looking forward to these discussions.
Angelina,
What makes "The Guardian" a fitting name? What do you see in the photograph that brings those words to mind? Please explain yourself.
Everyone else please do the same, and be sure to explain your comments as fully as you're able.
The figure on the left resembles an early Roman or Greek noble, someone of stature who is most likely more wealthy, educated, and important than the figure on the left, who looks like a common man. Though the nobleman doesn't have to help the pauper, he is; it is not required of him, yet he does it. Whether it is out of a feeling of duty or good will, he is doing what he believes is the right thing morally. So I would entitle this sculpture Moral Duty.
When I see the figure on the left (and the sculpture in general) my eyes are immediately drawn to her helmet (at least I think it’s woman… or it could be that the soldier is keeping an orange under his dress to snack on later. Who knows? We all get hungry and a quick snack never hurt anyone). Then, I see what seems to be some kind of armor on the left figure’s chest. I assume that she must be some kind of warrior and since I believe she is a woman and a warrior I come to the conclusion that maybe she was from Sparta, where women were, to my knowledge, expected to serve in their military. And since my thoughts are on the Greeks, I assume that maybe the other figure is a woman from Athens. I think this because, to my knowledge (which isn’t very expansive by the way so I am more than likely wrong), women from Athens were, well, not warriors and were pretty low on the hierarchical scale. I think the woman on the right is a woman because of the long hair, but maybe it’s a man who let his hair grow. When I further look at the sculpture I see that the figure on the right looks to be starved (since I can see her ribs) and seems to be very weak. The strong Spartan woman on the left is helping the weak Athenian woman on the right to stand. I think I remember learning that the Spartans and the Athenians were enemies. If my thinking is right, which I highly doubt, I would say that the Spartan woman is putting their differences aside and giving aid to a fellow human. So I would name this statue “True Strength.” I believe that true strength is demonstrated when someone does what is right. Which the Spartan woman on the left did, which is to help those in need even if you may not believe in their way of life.
When I first look at the statue I see the soldier on the left. They seem to resemble a figure of strength and bravery. I think of this because it looks like the taller figure is helping or saving the other. The smaller person appears to be weak and in need of assistance, therefore the soldier takes it upon themself to be a kind person and show their courtesy in aiding the weak. Due to my reasoning I believe this statue would have a title similar to "Common Courtesy".
I agree with Sophie's statement, and to answer Mr. D, I see someone who seems to be stronger holding someone who seems to be weak. That is why I suggested that title.
First off I'd like to say taking a field trip to see this piece of art would be spectacular.
If I were to give this statue a title it would have to be "Foundation of Effete." When I critiqued this piece the first thing I saw was a figure holding up another figure. Then I looked closer and saw that the one being held up was naked, which tells me that the figure is weak and vulnerable. The figure supporting the weak and naked figure to me is seen as powerful. The powerful figure is dressed with an outfit which depicts him to be a warrior of some sort. Being the stronger figure, I would consider him to be the "foundation" of the "effete" which is the weak and naked character.
Marissa, that a wonderfully poetic name, and a great use of a vocab word.
Deanna,
I like your title. I think that it's the type of title that an actual artist would name their sculpture.
When I first see the picture, i think of a masked soldier. When he finally comes home from war, he finds his love desperate and weak. He gathers her into his arms for comfort. The weak womens represents the weakness in all humans when someone in their life must leave.
A good title for this work would be "In My Arms"
When I see this Picture I think of the man going away and the women desperate for him to stay. She falls in despair when she finally realizes that she is going to be without her love. He is really upset too, he is just pretending to be strong so that maybe she will feel better. A good title for this would be Finding Strength
I agree with Ange's statement. I see the distiction between strong and weak in this photo
Mariana Maeda -
Now that I read your description, and look at the statue again. I can see what you're talking about.
Mr. D -
I love field trips!
I'd like to call this sculpture "The Mask." When I looked at the piece, the first thing I noticed was the mask. The two subjects in the sculpture, to me, have to significance.
I think an appropriate title for this would be “Never Left Behind.” My reasoning is that I see the man on the left as the stronger, more capable of the two, physically. I see that man as someone to look up to, like a soldier. When I think of a soldier, I think of the phrase “we never leave a man behind.”
All good points and very interesting observations. Let us focus for a moment, on what seem to be some of the common themes in all your observations.
What of the helmet? Some of you mentioned that it gave the upright figure the appearance of a soldier. Why? Have you seen a soldier like this before? Where?
Why is the prostrate figure naked?
Is there anything distinctive about the upright figure's clothing (aside from the helmet) that might give us a clue as to his/her identity?
Mr. D-
After reading reading your comment from September 17, I looked for closely at the clothing of the upright man. In addition to a helmet, the figure appears to be wearing some sort of armor on his/her chest and shoulders. I didn't notice this before. If, in fact, the "armor" actually is armor, the fact that the upright figure is a soldier is further confirmed. I was also thinking that I may be mistaken in calling this piece "armor," which would change my opinion on the figure's identity.
When i see this sculpture, i see a woman to the left helping up another naked woman to the right. The clothes that the woman on the right is wearing makes me believe that she is of a higher class becasue she is wearing robes and when i see a person in robes, i think of a scholar or a priest. Im not sure what the "helmet" might be for, but i dont think she is a warrior due to the robes she is wearing (not armor). Therefore, maybe she is a masked woman whose identity is hidden for some reason of her own. A helmet for war wouldnt look like this and it looks like it has been slid up on top of her head so she could look down at the other woman. I do believe that the upright woman is helping the other one, but not for what reason.
Jarrett, what if the upright figure's identity isn't hidden, but rather made plain by the helmet? I've asked the question already, but I'll ask it again. Have you ever seen a helmet like this before, and if so - where?
Collin, I'd like for you (and everyone else) to try to figure out the identity of the upright figure. Here's a hint.
One of our vocabulary words this week (Unit #2 Level H), is intimately linked - in terms of the word's origin - to the upright figure depicted in the statue. Do a little research.
Mr. D, I looked into what you said about the vocab word and I think I know who the person on the left is. I'm not sure if I should say it now or let others figure it out...
Katie,
Let the other folks think about it for a bit. I've no doubt that you're right on top of it.
Look at that ... I rhymed.
In the meantime. See what you can learn about the person on the left, and try to figure out how his or her identity might impact our understanding of the statue.
The woman on the left is naked, maybe this symbolizes venerability or weakness while the helmet and chest armor on the other woman symbolizes strength. The way the armored woman is holding the other woman could be compassionate, she's supporting a woman who can barely lift her head, maybe indicating a rescue? I would title this work "The Guardian."
A solid analysis Sarah. Now pursue the same questions I put to Collin and Katie.
The key to understanding the import of this statue is to realize the identity of the upright figure.
Again, the figure's identity is related to one of your vocabulary words.
When I first see the picture my eyes go straight to the woman falling in the mans arms. It looks to me like the woman is in great distress and is need of some assistants. The man on the other hand looks strong and like he is trying to assist the woman with her problems. I think I would name this statue "Helping Hand."
Abby I think your describtion of the statue through your eyes is really beautiful and sweet!
When I look at this picture, I imagine an older woman helping or giving advice to a younger woman. Her helmet maybe symbolizes wisdom, because she is smart in what she says, and her armor symbolizes the strength she gives to others with her words. The figure on the right may represent a woman who has lost her way and fallen; now she needs help, and this other woman shows up and gets her back on her feet. I would call this piece "Mother Wisdom"; maybe the figure on the left is helping the figure on the right through wisdom, and is also giving her strength.
I agree with Mariana. The figure on the left doesn't have to help the other one, but chooses to because it;s the right thing to do to help someone in need.
My description of the statue is somewhat along the lines of what others have already stated. However, I see the figures not as specific people, but as emotions and the way of life itself. It is in human nature to help and feel compassion for those who are weak. The person on the ground that is being lifted up symbolizes the weak minded, not as much physically weak which is shown right on the surface. The person is sadness and despair. When someone is so weak from sadness its hard to get back up and "get on your feet" again. With the lifting hands of the masked figure, the weaker has a chance. The masked figure represents those who are the strong minded, those who don't let emotions take complete control of their complete being and life. It is representing Hope for the weak; help is there when you need it to bring pick you back up again. An appropriate name for this work of art is "Luz de Esperanza" which is Spanish for "Light of Hope." I thought putting it in Spanish was more appropriate since Picasso himself was Spanish. It also sounds alot cooler...
Marissa,
I like the name you picked for this because it explains the piece beautifully with sophistication.
Mr. D,
I have seen a helmet like this in ancient cultures...maybe of roman nobles?
I think the nakedness of the prostate figure indicates their plain-ness almost.
Maybe how commoners rely on leaders?
For those of you going on a field trip with your French class this coming Thursday, you should know that this statue is housed in the museum you are visiting.
Mr. D-
I looked more closely at the vocab words and after doing some research, I have found a general identity of the upright figure. Knowing the figure's identity clears up many unknown questions and misconceptions about the sculpture.
Deanna-
In your original post, you suggested that there is a difference in class or caste between the upright figure and the naked figure. Why do you think this? Is it solely because the upright figure is wearing metal armor? Or are there other reasons?
Deanna,
In your initial comment I believe you make a valid point. The title you chose seems like a perfect decision.It does seem like a deed driven by ones morals to help and protect the weak.
When I look at this statue, I see one strong figure and one weak figure. You can tell that the person on the left is stonger because they are standing tall and wearing a helmet and armor, like a soldier would wear. The person on the right is not clothed and not able to stand on their own without the help of the soldier. I think that the person on the left is dressed in armor because soldiers represent people who are noble and always helping and saving others. This makes me think of what we talked about in class about how some people believe that soldiers are the most holy of all humans because they are tested and always looking out for others. A good title for this statue would be "The Savior of the broken."
Angelina and Sophie,
I completely agree with both of your comments about the strong helping the weak. Sophie, I think your title is perfect because I think that the person on the right is helping the person on the left simply because it is the right thing to do.
Brooke,
I really like your analysis, I never thought of it that way and I like that you are looking deeper into the statue for the meaning.
MR. D
To answer your question about what type of helmet it is, i did some research and it looks to me like a helmet from the middle ages in Europe, even from the crusaders, which was one of my first thoughts when i saw the picture. I obviously changed my mind to what type of helmet it is but this new thought makes the most sense to me, especially now that i looked them up and know more about what they were used for. I have no idea what its called or if any of this is right, but i would name it "Strength and hope"
I would name this statue "Mother and Child." I know this isn't the most common thing to come to mind when the words "mother and child" are said. However, I believe this shows the relationship well. A mother can be considered a warrior based on the situations she is put in when she is faced with motherhood, the first being the initial awareness of being pregnant, and they continue throughout the entirety of their child's life. The other figure shows the relationship from child to mother. He is hanging their while the "mother" figure holds him up, showing that he is relying on his mother to help him get back onto his feet. This is a common situation in our lives, when we fall, our mothers are there to pick us up and help us stand again.
Meghan, I believe that both my wife and my children would agree with you wholeheartedly. If we're fortunate - as far too few of us are - our mothers are there to help pick us up when we fall. It's a lovely thought. Thank you.
I've come to a new conclusion on the statue! I think that the women standing up with the helmet has just revieled to the world that she's a women. If this statue is from ancient times then women weren't allowed to fight in wars. She had to mask her identity, in order to be allowed to fight. Kind of like the mulan theme. The women soldier is helping other women who in past times were neglected and left alone.
I apologize if I'm not particularly insightful, but honestly this sculpture reminds me of the movie, "A Knight's Tale". More specifically, it reminds me of a part when the main character, William Thatcher, meets a friend, Geoffrey Chaucer, who has lost everything, including his clothes, due to a gambling problem. When they meet the friend grovels and begs for help, money, and clothes. In the conclusion of the movie the knight helps the man through his gambling addiction and raises him up from his poverty. The naked man in the sculpture reminds me of the begging man and the knight who holds him up reminds me of the main character of the movie who is, obviously, a knight. The title I'd propose would be "William and Geoffrey"
Abby I really like your second conclusion better.. largely because Mulan is a great movie, but what would the second title be?
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