Zes afgietsels van antieke sculpturen waaronder de Dansende faun, de worstelaars en Juno before 1874

This work presents six casts of classical sculptures within a book, by H.G. Smith. Smith's compilation invites reflection on how we engage with the classical world, and how these interactions are framed by gendered and racialized power dynamics. The sculptures, reproductions of ancient Greek and Roman works, often idealized the human form, establishing canons of beauty deeply embedded in Western art history. The male nude, as seen in the ‘Dancing Faun’ and ‘The Wrestlers,’ has historically been a site of both admiration and anxiety, linked to notions of virility, heroism, and dominance. At the same time, the female form, exemplified by ‘Juno,’ embodies ideals of beauty and motherhood which are still debated today. Smith’s work prompts questions about the ongoing dialogue between the past and the present, and the power structures inherent in how we interpret and re-present classical forms. It encourages a critical gaze, inviting us to challenge traditional narratives.