Tenderness at The Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lyon

myminifactory

Two loving young souls are deeply intertwined. The rugged figure of a man cradles a young woman on his lap, her slender body draped elegantly across his muscular frame. Her delicate hands wrap around the head of his companion, drawing his face closer to hers with trusting abandon. Her naked form radiates an aura of deep sensuality, its smooth contours evoking a profound sense of intimacy. The flowing drapery that wraps around her figure slips tantalizingly between them, heightening the tension of the moment. The soft glow of light dancing across the intricate patterns on the marble beneath them serves to underscore the sweetness of this tender encounter. It's an image that echoes the famous "Kiss" sculpture by Rodin, yet one that is reimagined through the innovative language of direct carving. This artistic movement sought to strip away the pretensions of traditional modeling, instead focusing on capturing the genuine essence of the human form. In doing so, it aimed to reconnect with the raw emotion and sincerity that lies at the heart of all great art. Tenderness is a theme that pervades this work, as two young figures are brought together in a moment of pure connection. Installed atop the pedestal of the Servetus monument in Vienna, this sculpture stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and affection.