Why Do Humans Love Portrait Sculpture So Much?
Man has always been curious in his image and likeness. Portrait sculpture touches us simply because it brings us face to face with people from the past and preserves the features, expression, clothes and jewellery of a time now gone. We can look at the costumes of Pharaohs or Shakespeare, the face of beauties from the past, and even the true likeness of heroes who have been immortalised in rock or metal. The portrait sculptor (or even the figurative sculptor) is responsible for this.
Sculptures give a good ethnographic record of our heritage and do not cease to engage us because of the human interest. Even our currency bears the influence of the portrait sculptor, with heads frequently appearing on coins.
Some of the earliest 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 all over Mesopotamia.
Early sculptures were produced from clay and natural stone, but the actual breakthrough discovery of the power to smelt metal led to bronze becoming a popular medium.
The Industrial revolution made it possible for foundries to spring up all over the place and citizens desired to have their likeness cast in metal. Paris was a particular hub for sculptors in the 1800’s and the art form drew in customers from far and wide to make use of the talents of the artists.
Although the very first portrait sculptures were only readily available to the wealthy or famous, they are now more widely available. However, they are still a luxurious item as they must have the skills of qualified artist.
Even today, the portrait sculptor is definitely not out of business. In fact, we have not diminished 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 statue of a fellow human being helps to preserve their memory and honour them, and maybe this could be the contributing factor for our everlasting love affair with them.
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