En ung faun 1850 - 1907

Editor: Here we have John Börjeson's "A Young Faun," sculpted in bronze sometime between 1850 and 1907. I'm struck by the figure's languid pose and how his gaze drifts downward. It makes me wonder what’s capturing his attention, what thoughts he's lost in. What do you make of it? Curator: Oh, he’s delicious, isn't he? In this classical-realist style, Börjeson’s given us a perfect little reverie in bronze. The contrapposto stance is so beautifully observed; look how the weight shifts and creates these delicious curves and tensions. I like to imagine he’s just noticed his own shadow stretching long in the late afternoon sun and is, perhaps, pondering his place in the universe – or just wondering what’s for supper! Does that resonate for you at all? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way! I was so focused on his slightly melancholic air, I missed the playful possibilities. You mentioned his shadow, and that makes me see his downturned face in a new way. Curator: Exactly! These fauns, you see, they’re mischievous spirits, creatures of the forest – but even mischief gets tiring. Börjeson’s brilliance, I think, lies in capturing that fleeting moment of introspection within the mythical being. You see the world through fresh eyes. Editor: This sculpture is teaching me to be more attentive to that meeting point between classical imagery and humanness. Curator: Beautifully put. Perhaps, in the end, Börjeson is showing us that even the wildest hearts sometimes pause to reflect. It’s that human-animal dance! Editor: I love the image of the dance! Thank you! Curator: My absolute pleasure. Until the next reverie, then.