Burlesque 19th-20th century

Curator: Gaston Lachaise sculpted "Burlesque," a bronze figure now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The dimensions are roughly 61 by 23 by 18 centimeters. Editor: The figure's bold, exaggerated forms create such a dynamic, almost defiant, presence. Curator: Lachaise challenged traditional sculpture, celebrating the female form in all its volume. This was a period that was reevaluating the female representation in media. Editor: Note how the artist has rendered the texture of the bronze, creating a tactile surface that invites the viewer to run their fingers across its contours. It really emphasizes the figure's weight and presence. Curator: Absolutely, the rough materiality of the bronze highlights the radical shift in artistic conventions Lachaise championed. The artist’s exploration of form within the social norms of the time is intriguing. Editor: A powerful celebration of form and texture, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Yes, a truly unique piece reflecting Lachaise's revolutionary approach to art history.