Working in Marble, or the artist sculpting Tanagra

With "Working in Marble", Jean Leon Gerome once again proves his mastery in detail. In this painting the artist takes the viewer into a studio. This is characterized by various objects that are colorful and partially disordered on the shelf or floor. At the same time, an order can be identified in this workshop of the artist, which enables the master to carve a realistic statue out of precious marble.

The scene is dominated by three figures: the sculptor, the naked model and the almost finished figure, which can be seen behind the living model in the side profile. Only at a second glance does one recognize the difference between model and sculptural work: the artist has succeeded in reproducing the picture so vividly! Unlike the sculptor, the model is young. His white hair testifies to years of experience, also in the field of art. Attracted by the youth of the model, he directs the view of her immaculate body. Is this also a sensual look or just the seriousness of artistic work owed? The viewer can decide for himself.

Gloves and blue-turquoise apron reveal that the sculptor is seriously and focused on his work. It is also noteworthy that he stands on a pedestal, as well as the model and his artwork. This increase puts the group of people even more into the field of vision of the beholder. The stooped, almost semicircular posture of his back corresponds to a finished dancer in delicate pink, which can be seen on the right side of the picture on a wall table. This figure as well as the bust on the left shelf and the masks on the upper shelf place an additional emphasis on the human being: Above the surface, man can be beautiful, old and defaced, cheerful and danceable or static and motionless.

The painting is given perspective and liveliness through the colorful palette of colors. The blue wall picks up the color of the apron and expands into the air. At the same time she is a perfect background of the group of figures.

Dahesh Museum of Art, New York, USA / bridgemanimages.com