The Importance Of Portrait Sculpture To Us
Man has always been fascinated in his image and likeness. Portrait sculpture touches all of us simply because it brings us face to face with men or women from the past and preserves the features, expression, clothing and jewellery of a time now gone. We can take a look at the outfits of Pharaohs or Shakespeare, the face of beauties from the past, and the true likeness of heroes who have been immortalised in stone or precious metal. The portrait sculptor (or even the figurative sculptor) is responsible for this.
Sculptures provide a good ethnographic record of our heritage and never cease to engage us because of the human interest. Even our currency bears the effect of the portrait sculptor, with heads usually appearing on coins.
Some of the oldest known portrait sculptures are of Egyptians and they are seen on tombs, but bronze sculptures have been found in the tombs of Chinese emperors, in Pompeii and around Mesopotamia.
Very early statues ended up being produced from clay and natural stone, but the breakthrough discovery of the power to smelt metal led to bronze becoming a favorite medium.
The Industrial revolution made it possible for foundries to spring up all over the place and everyday people desired to get their own likeness cast in metal. Paris was a particular hub for sculptors in the 1800's and the art form attracted in many people from far and wide to make use of the talents of the artists.
Although the earliest portrait sculptures were only accessible to the well-off or famous, they are today more widely available. However, they are still a luxury item as they require the skills of qualified artist.
Even today, the portrait sculptor is definitely not out of business. In fact, we have not reduced our desire for portraits at all and they are still commissioned to honour and give public recognition to the dead, such as Nelson in Trafalgar Square, London.
A sculpture of a fellow person will help to preserve their memory and honour them, and maybe this could be the reason for our long lasting love affair with them.