Discovering the delights of the LACMA Sculpture Garden - Part two...

Today is the second installment from my visit to the B. Gerald Cantor Outdoor Sculpture Garden at LACMA.

In addition to hosting around ten Rodin and three Bourdelle bronze sculptures, the design of the garden is fairly unique and intriguing.

The tranquil palm tree adorned space was re-envisioned by Robert Irwin, who is also well known for creating The Central Garden at The Getty Center.  

Eve

I think there was some debate about whether the palms compliment the French bronze sculptures, but I like the garden design and especially how it mirrors the symmetrical Urban Light installation beside it.

At the bottom of the stairs leading down to the garden you'll find 'Eve' by Auguste Rodin. 

First modeled c.1881, the piece was cast by Musee Rodin in 1968.

Monument to Honore de Balzac

Towering over the entrance to the B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden on Wilshire Boulevard you'll find the Monument to Honore de Balzac, renowned French novelist and playwright, which was first modeled in 1897 and cast in 1967.

Jean de Fiennes, Draped

Flanking the entrance you'll find another two bronze figures paying tribute to the Burghers of Calais, heroes of the Hundred Years' War and symbols of French patriotism. 

On the left as you enter is 'Jean de Fiennes, Draped' which was originally modeled c.1885-86 and cast by the Musee Rodin in 1987.

Jean d'Aire

On your right you'll find a bronze statue of 'Jean d'Aire', which was first modeled around 1886 and cast in 1972. 

Here he is pictured holding one of the keys to the city of Calais.

Monumental head of Jean d'Aire

Following on from the theme of the Burghers of Calais, you'll also find the Monumental Head of Jean d'Aire at the bottom of the steps leading down to the garden, side-by-side with fellow town leader, Pierre de Wissant.

Monumental head of Pierre de Wissant

This piece by Rodin was modeled c.1884 to 1885, enlarged in 1909 and cast in 1971. 

Just a brief interlude from all these Rodin and Bourdelle bronze works, above the garden on the sculpture terrace near the Bust of Rodin, you can also find a sculpture by British artist, Henry Moore.

Three-part Reclining Figure

This bronze sculpture was produced in 1961 to 1962, by the Englishman who lived from 1898 to 1986. You can see more of his sculptures at The Getty Center.

The Prodigal Son

The final Rodin sculpture that I want to showcase today is on display in the middle of the Sculpture Garden at LACMA - 'The Prodigal Son'.

The statue was first modeled for Rodin c.1884/1894 to 1899 and cast in 1967 and is also known as 'Child of the Century'.

Rodin once explained the sculpture expressed psychological tension and distress and was originally a study for 'The Gates of Hell', a work depicting scenes from 'Dante's Inferno'.

In it's lovely new home under the blissful Californian sunshine it's hard to imagine that he's suffering the agonies of the Underworld.

I hope you've enjoyed this look at the wonderful sculptures on show outside LACMA, if you ever get the opportunity to visit the Sculpture Garden, it's worth it and it's free to see.

Enjoy the inspiration...

Discovering the delights of the LACMA Sculpture Garden - Part one...

Right beside the captivating Urban Light installation and visible from Wilshire Boulevard as you drive by is the B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden.

It's a great little space to walk through, or sit for a while, and appreciate the bronze pieces in the L.A. sunshine. 

One of the best things is that admission is free, so between noon and 8pm most days (except Friday until 9pm and Wednesday when LACMA is closed), you can enjoy this tranquil sculpture garden.

On the sculpture terrace above the garden you'll find a bust of one of the main contributors to the bronze sculptures on display, French artist and infamous sculptor, Auguste Rodin.

Bust of Rodin

The bronze bust was completed in 1909 to 1910 by fellow French artist and student of Rodin, Emile-Antoine Bourdelle, who lived from 1861 to 1929.

Rodin was one of the preeminent sculptors of his time and lived from 1840 to 1917. Once on a visit to Paris I even visited the Rodin Museum (Musee Rodin), so it's interesting to see so many of his works here in Los Angeles.

Head of the Figure of Eloquence

Close by the Rodin bust you'll also find another bronze head, again by Bourdelle.

It's a slightly less happy looking soul entitled Head of the Figure of Eloquence from 1916 to 1918.

Herakles - The Archer

Further along the terrace overlooking the sculpture garden you'll find one of Bourdelle's more arresting pieces from 1909, Herakles - The Archer.

Bourdelle was influenced by ancient Greek (hence the statue of Hercules) and Medieval sculpture and apparently was also a great believer in returning sculpture to the outdoors.

I love how striking this muscled bronze sculpture looks against the blue Californian sky, with palm trees in the background.

Marsyas 

(Torso of the Falling Man)

Funnily enough I've become quite enamoured with sculpture recently, between trips to Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden at The Getty and other local artworks (of course it has nothing to do with some of these sculptures having the muscley physiques of Greek gods).

At the top of the stairs leading down to the B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden at LACMA you'll find this impressive male torso by Rodin, first modeled c.1882 to 1889 and this version cast in 1970.

Next up is another piece by Rodin found amongst the palm trees in the garden itself.

Orpheus 

The statue Orpheus was probably first modeled in 1890 to 1900 and was cast in 1969.

Apparently in Greek mythology, Orpheus, son of the God of Music, Apollo, tried to bring his wife Euridyce from the Underworld by enchanting Hades, its ruler, with his music. His plan nearly succeeded, but he couldn't resist the temptation to look back when he'd been instructed by Hades not to and so he lost Euridyce forever.

It's such a dramatic piece and worth viewing from all angles, especially interesting when looking down from above.

The Shade

Finally for this installment of the bronze works on display in the LACMA Sculpture Garden is possibly my favourite piece, The Shade by Rodin.

It's impressive body is on a par with Bourdelle's Herakles, but this statue has a much more handsome face.

This masculine sculpture was first modeled c.1880 and enlarged c.1901. This piece was cast by Musee Rodin in 1969.

And there you have just a sampling of the wonderful collection of sculptures for your visual delight at LACMA in Los Angeles.

Come back tomorrow for even more bronze marvels to inspire you.

In honour of the French artists above - Au revoir, a bientot mes amis...  

Puppy pictures to make you laugh (or smile at least)...

It's Friday so it must be time for Cooper's comedy caption contest.

He always makes us laugh, so no matter what kind of day you're having, I hope our adorable yellow Labrador Cooper can help brighten your day too.

Blast from the past

Pup at home

Pup at the beach

Pup at play

Costume Cooper

Bath-time pup

Sleepy pup

No matter what he's up to, playing at home or at the beach, sleeping or getting up to mischief, or just being too darn cute for words, he always manages to make us smile at the end of the day.

As always, caption suggestions are welcome by email or by simply posting a comment here at Jason in Hollywood. 

Have a great weekend...

P.S. Cooper and I had another celebrity sighting on Wednesday this week, this time Goldeneye Bond girl and X-Men star Famke Janssen out exercising with her french bulldog at Runyon Canyon. She's looking good and every bit the Hollywood star.