Humor In Art

When we wonder how figures like Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle looked, often our only references are portrait sculptures.  These figures shaped much of our modern society, but in truth, we know little about their personal lives.  The portrait sculptor who chronicled these historical figures is the only reference we have as to how they looked.  Even then, our interpretation of the physical characteristics of these fathers of history is only based on the interpretation of the artist.

Throughout history, sculptors, painters, and writers have chronicled the lives of historical figures.  While the historical figures often become the focus of study, it’s important to recognize the artists who helped to create their image.  Without those who recognized the works of historical figures as important, who knows whether we would still think of their work in the same manner today!

I’ve always thought that my Auntie Jan was a little bit odd.  Scattered around her house, she has a huge collection of animal sculptures.  From what my mom has told me, she’s never had pets, but her collection of dog sculptures probably weighs more than a Great Dane!  While I’ve always wondered where Auntie Jan’s fascination with sculptures came from, I’ve also recognized that my mom seems to share some of the same fascination (though to a much lesser extent). 

While I was in high school, I took a class on making ceramics and found that I wasn’t half bad at it.  In the first couple weeks, I made a sculpture of my dog, Ludo, and the teacher praised me for the detail of it.  After recognizing I had a particular passion for sculpture, I talked to Auntie Jan and she told me that all of her sculptures were made by a professional sculptor.  I didn’t even know there was such a thing, but professional sculptors are not all that uncommon.  I think I even dreamed of becoming one for a time!