Sleeping Muse II 1917

Constantin Brâncuși made this 'Sleeping Muse II' using bronze, I think, as a way to explore the essence of form. What I love about this piece is the texture, the way the light reflects off the golden surface, smooth in some places, rough in others. You can almost feel the artist's hand shaping it, the marks of the tool deliberate and yet, somehow, free. Notice that band of rough chisel marks around the back of the head and how this contrasts with the highly polished curves that suggests an eye socket. This isn't just a sculpture; it's an exploration of process and the way texture interacts with form. It reminds me of Barbara Hepworth's sculptures, the way she also played with volume and negative space. Art is an ongoing conversation, and Brâncuși's work is a beautiful testament to the power of simplicity and ambiguity.