Augustus of Prima Porta is a statue by an unknown sculptor. The main figure is Augustus Caesar, an Emperor of The Roman Empire. The figure is in a typical stance of the time, contrapposto (click to learn more), one weight- baring leg while the other is relaxed. This leaves him in a position of power over the onlooker. The sculptor also uses the canon of proportions (click to learn more). The intricate work on his armor on top is is amazing. Also, notice the little baby figure to the left of his leg. Lastly the musculature in his legs and arms show and exaggerate his strength, while still leaving him realistically human.
The Medici family of Florence funded and commissioned a large part of the Renaissance art created. The father, Giovanni di Bocci de' Medici, was a banker and made the family wealthy. The Medici family employed Sandro Botticelli, famous Italian Renaissance painter. They were in fact the wealthiest family of the 15th century, due to their starting the largest bank in Florence.
Announced a few months ago, the Princeton University Art Museum is doing a huge renovation. Sir David Adjaye (click on the name for a Zooming In and more information) will be the architect behind the renovation. Above and in the link are the recently released renderings for the plan. This museum has been renovated a few times over the years, and this renovation is expected to open in 2024.
The Thinker, or originally The Poet, by famous sculptor Auguste Rodin, is a large bronze sculpture of a nude male figure who is pensive. As merely onlookers, the audience experiences the immersive thought along with this figure. There is a sense of mystery in this sculpture. What is so enthralling that keeps this man in thought? What troubles him? Or is he even troubled? This figure is actually the poet, Dante, who wrote the Divine Comedy. Dante's The Divine Comedy was the inspiration for Rodin's The Gates of Hell. Rodin's fine skills in demonstrating human anatomy are very clear in this sculpture and rope in the viewer.
