Busts from other artists

As I mentioned in the previous post, during our first session of the term we had the opportunity to start developing a self-portrait in 3D as well as look to busts made by other artists. I made mine based in the chibi style, which might be useful for my project, depending on the concept that I am going to choose. However, there are many different way to make a portrait in 3D and not only the media can be different but also the style or movement it can be insert. Taking this into consideration, I did further research about this subject.

David (1501-1504) by Michelangelo

Michelangelo (1501-1504) David [marble]

The bust of David (1501-1504) represents a biblical figure - David, the young and unarmored shepherd, that beheaded the giant Goliath with his own sword. By the time David was sculped, the Republic of Florence was surrounded by threats. For this reason, David was seen as the perfect symbol of this city-state.

Giorgio Vasari (n.d.) once said that “no other artwork is equal to it in any respect, with such just proportion, beauty and excellence did Michelangelo finish it.” I always was a fan of Michelangelo's artworks and I have already made a lot of research about him and his sculptures. During the last term, I was also able to make a project in 2D and another in 3D using the bust of David as reference. This was a digital drawing that I made to print in a tote bag:

Veiled Lady (1860) by Rafaello Monti

Monti R. (1860) Veiled Lady [marble]

While I was researching one of the busts that draw more attention was the one made by Rafaello Monti entitle "Veiled Lady" made in 1860. This type of sculptures allows artists to show their mastery over the marble. In this bust Monti give the viewer the illusion that it is possible to see through the marble. Furthermore, in order to reflect light he polished smoothly the top of the head and shoulders and in the veil he polished less, giving the illusion of fabric.

Queen Nefertiti (1340 BC) by Tutemés

It is unusual to find portraits from this date in the Egypt. This happens because a portrait is an incomplete representation and for the Egyptians was of paramount imporant that the sculptures appeared complete. However, this bust was accompained by the one of the Queen's husband, Akhenaten, which was probably more complex than the Queen's in the past. However, it was not possible to restore it since it was was destroyed.

 

Tutemés (1340 BC) Queen Nefertiti [limestone and ‎stucco]

"Viewed from the front, it exhibits complete mirror symmetry, and yet it will be utterly clear to the viewer that he is not looking at some constructed ideal here, but instead at the stylised, though nonetheless thoroughly recognisable image of a specific person with a strongly striking appearance" (Borchardt, 1923).

Althought the colours are probably different from the original (taking into consideration that this bust has already been restored) one of the features that I like the most is the colour palette. In here it is presented a diveristy of colours that were normally used by the Egyptians - red ochre, yellow orpiment, green fit, carbon balck as well as the "egyptian blue".

Reference:

Mia (n.d.) Veiled Lady [online] Available from: https://collections.artsmia.org/art/12092/veiled-lady-raffaelo-monti [Accessed 09.04.2021]

Richman-Abdou K. (2020) Why Michelangelo’s ‘David’ Is an Icon of the Italian Renaissance [online] My Modern Met, Available from: https://mymodernmet.com/michelangelo-david-facts/ [Accessed 09.04.2021]

Farhi N. (2014) The 10 best busts in art – in pictures [online] The Guardian Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/aug/29/the-10-best-busts-in-art-in-pictures [Accessed 09.04.2021]

Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (n.d.) Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung [online] Available from: https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/aegyptisches-museum-und-papyrussammlung/collection-research/bust-of-nefertiti/the-bust/ [Accessed 09.04.2021]