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Ludwig Michael Schwanthaler, ennobled as Ritter von Schwanthaler, was a Bavarian sculptor and a key figure in the Classical movement in southern Germany. He was born on 26 August 1802 in Munich to a family that had been involved in sculpture for centuries.
Schwanthaler's journey began under his father's tutelage before he formally trained at the Munich Academy. His talent was so profound that he received commissions from royalty and mentorship from the likes of Peter von Cornelius. He further honed his skills in Rome, where he was influenced by Bertel Thorvaldsen. Returning to Munich, Schwanthaler met the demands for sculpture head-on, collaborating with architects and painters to revive the arts in Bavaria.
Among his many works, the statues in the Neues Palais and the figures in the Alte Pinakothek are notable. His versatility also shone in sacred art, with his contributions to St Ludwig and St Mariahilf churches. The Ruhmeshalle's metopes and the monumental Bavaria statue demonstrate his artistic bravery. Schwanthaler's life was dedicated to his craft, and upon his death on November 14, 1848, he bequeathed his models and studies to the Munich Academy, forming the Schwanthaler Museum.
For art enthusiasts, Schwanthaler's legacy offers a deep dive into classical sculpture's golden age. His works remain a testament to the neoclassical aesthetic and are celebrated for their historical and artistic significance.
Engage with the grandeur of Schwanthaler's art by signing up for updates, and take part in preserving the memory of one of Bavaria's master sculptors.
Alex Katz is an American figurative artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and prints.
Aristide Maillol was a French artist. He was a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, and is best known for his sculptural works.
Maillol initially worked as a painter, but after seeing Auguste Rodin's sculptures in the early 1890s, he turned to sculpture himself. His early sculptures were influenced by the classical tradition, and often depicted female figures in a simplified, stylized form.
Maillol's sculptures are characterized by their smooth surfaces and simplified forms, which reflect his interest in the pure and timeless beauty of the human body. He often worked in bronze, and his sculptures were typically larger than life size.
In addition to his sculptures, Maillol also created prints, including lithographs and woodcuts. His prints were often based on his sculptural works, and reflected his interest in simplifying form and line.
Maillol continued to work and exhibit his art throughout his life, and his work was shown in galleries and museums around the world. Today, his sculptures are held in the collections of many prestigious institutions, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Tate Gallery in London.
