Classical Sculpture

Jean Arp

1960

Bronze

Dallas Museum of Art

"Classical Sculpture" simplifies the female nude into a harmonious ovoid shape. The absence of appendages emphasizes the rhythmic curves of the body, and the bronze's sleek outlines create an idealized shape that is both subtly voluptuous and abstract in form. This sculpture is a conscious attempt by Jean Arp to emulate the forms of Greek art, re-imagining the contrapposto stance used by Greeks to depict a balanced, S-shaped body. Arp's sculptures, despite their avowed connections with surrealist dream mechanics, possess an elegance and simplicity of form. "Classical Sculpture" simplifies the female nude into a harmonious ovoid shap