Summer 1910

Aristide Maillol gave us this bronze figure, Summer. I can imagine him building it up bit by bit, the clay between his fingers, smoothing out planes to catch the light. There’s a serene, contemplative quality to it, which makes me wonder about the relationship between the artist and the model. Was there conversation, shared silence, or maybe even a little bit of romantic tension? I love the slightly melancholic tilt of her head and the gesture of her open hand. Is she offering something, or is she simply relaxed and at ease? Maillol’s decision to leave the surface of the bronze relatively smooth really highlights the play of light and shadow across the form. It reminds me of some of the classical sculptures, but with a modern, more personal touch. We are all inspired by each other, riffing on what has come before. What is old is new again.