Tags | Collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

We have 1 object tagged metamorphosis.

This is a gilt bronze sculpture of a realistic human figure (Actaeon) metamorphosing into an animal mid-running stride. With the main body and face still retaining a human form, there are two stubs of antlers and large stag-like ears emerging from the side of the figure's head, implying the transition to animal. Unclothed and in dramatic pose, the planted left foot, raised right knee mid-stride and outstretched left arm of the figure establish a strong diagonal composition.The right arm is bent and touches the right side of the figure's body. The eyes remain closed and mouth open. There are also two stylized, but anatomically realistic dogs in the sculpture that are mid-attack: one is running up the left leg and the other is mid-leap aside the the right, looking up threateningly. The figures sit on a short, three tiered platform and are structurally attached and supported by an abstract plant beneath Actaeon with long curling leaves. The plant is subtley placed so it is barely noticeable. The leaves touch the leaping dog and the two legs of the semi-human figure.

Actaeon, 1925
gilt bronze.
Lent by David Owsley Museum of Art, Frank C. Ball Collection, Gift of the....
60.2016.1