Ethan
The Thinker is a bronze sculpture crafted by Auguste Rodin in 1888. It currently resides in the Musée Rodin in Paris, France. My initial thought was that it is an impressive sculpture. It definitely represents something deep, however at the time all I can think of is it representing something about knowledge. Through talking to my group mates, Jack Mckechnie and Kadie Jillson, as well as interviewing our friend Chris, I was able to analyze the sculpture on a deeper level than I was able to by myself.
While interviewing Chris we asked him what he thought the message of The Thinker was, he responded with “the man in the statue seems to be contemplating some sort of deep philosophical predicament”. This made me wonder, what is he thinking about? So I did some research and found out that as well as being an artist, Rodin also considered himself a philosopher. However, I think there is more to it than what Chris thought the meaning was. I think that the statue represents the need for knowledge. Which really resonates with me because I am currently a college student, whose one job at the moment is to gain knowledge so that I can be a contributing member of society.
Jack
This piece of art provokes thinking about thinking which I find to be a interesting concept. The posture of the figure also captures my attention. When I look at the piece of art it makes the idea of thinking look like a physical process. The way that the Thinker is posed with his back hunched over resting his head on his fist makes the act of thinking look physically taxing.
This piece of art also makes me feel small. The Thinker is around 7ft tall sitting down, who wouldn’t feel small next to something that size. The thought of the sculptor meticulously going inch by inch on every detail makes me wonder how long it took for the sculptor to finish his work. The thinker also sits on top of a large stone that gives the viewer the strange angle of looking up at the contemplating figure. Usually when we are looking at someone thinking in this position we are looking down on the figure. So having it up in the air provides us with a different perspective on the bodies pose when thinking.
I think this is art because it is an expression of thinking. The definition of art according to google is “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination,” put with the definition the Thinker definitely qualifies as art. I think that the sculptor wanted to show the physical form that is associated with mental processes. When he did this he used this creative idea and his skills as a sculptor. I think that the effortful process of combining the two is what makes this sculpture considered art.
Normally I associate creativity and hard work with art. The creative aspect is what makes art so individualized. With individualized style artists put their own spin on whatever medium they choose. The hard work and effort is what drives the passionate aspect of art.
This statue is relevant to my life because I went on a trip to Paris where I saw this statue. So I think that this statue is relevant to my life because it is a valuable memory that I probably won’t get to go back and experience again. I would also say it is relevant to the greater world because the image of this statue is very famous.
My initial reaction of the statue was that it is just a depiction of yet another naked guy which seem to be very common in art. I would say that my reaction of it since then has changed by spending more time thinking about the work and thought that the artist put into his work. At the time when I first saw the statue I didn’t think about how well the thinker resembles someone deep in thought. When you look at the sculpture it is hard to see anything but how well the body language of the figure represents thought.
Kadie
The sculpture was made by Auguste Rodin and it is 71.50 cm in height and 40 cm in width. Rodin created this sculpture made out of bronze in 1888 and it is now in the Musée Rodin in Paris, France. The Thinker sculpture expresses the need for silent contemplation but it presents this in a powerful way to make it look unseen. The sculpture looks uneasy and lost in his thoughts. He is hunched over with his right hand on his chin while he looks down at the ground.
I believe the sculpture the Thinker is considered a piece of art because it takes a lot of talent to create such a complex statue like this one. It has incredible details on the mans back and legs where you can see his muscles and spine. He is nude completely and sitting on a rock. Not only does it have good detail but just by looking at it you know there is a story to this whole creation. The statue has details on his face to show he is absent minded and confused on what he should do. I associate with this artwork through the aspects of knowledge. It is also relevant in my life because I am going to school to get a better knowledge for myself and this reflects on that. Not only is this relevant to me but also to the world. This sculpture is often used as an image to represent philosophy and knowledge is very relevant in the greater world.
My initial reaction on the sculpture is that it is impressive and it takes a lot of talent to be able to create a sculpture like that. Looking at the sculpture you can tell that there is a deeper story that goes along with the creation. The man looks lost in his deep thoughts and seems to not know what to do. The Thinker shows intelligence and a strong man that has great knowledge. When I first looked at the piece of art I just thought of it as a confused naked man sitting on a rock. Now my reaction towards it has changed because I now notice the true beauty and hard work it took to create this artwork. The confused man now not only looks confused but he also looks lost, concerned, and really stuck. The major details of the whole body and facial expression shows how much time the artist took to make each and every detail perfect.
In my group Ethan, Jack and I interviewed a student named Chris that gave us some interesting insights on his thoughts on the Thinker sculpture. When we asked Chris what does he consider to be art he said, “I would consider art to be any form of deeper expression. Whether that be dance, music, painting, sculpting, literally anything where you can express your feelings.” I think Chris is totally right about art not only being a painting or sculpture but also many other things. Anything could be considered art and as long as it consists of creativity and came from your own thoughts it is art.
What do you consider to be art?
I would consider art to be any form of deeper expression. Whether that be dance, music, painting, sculpting, literally anything where you can express your feelings.
Do you consider yourself a particularly artistic person?
Um, not really. I have never really exposed myself to art in the physical form, however I play guitar and listen to a lot of music.
Do you have any pieces of art that stand out to you personally?
Ohh that’s a tough one. I guess that I appreciate art the most in the form of music, and Bob Dylan is my favorite artist. I really like the way he used his music as a platform to raise awareness of social issues.
Okay so I’m gonna show you a picture of a piece of art, I need you to look at it and tell me your opinion on it (I show him the thinker for the first time).
Ohh okay I think I remember this The Night at the Museum movie haha.
What’s your initial reaction of The Thinker?
It’s definitely impressive, that must have taken a lot of time and skill to sculpt.
What stands out to you?
The fact that he is not wearing clothes definitely represents something, I’m not quite sure what though. Also the way he’s sitting makes him look like he contemplating.
What would you associate with The Thinker?
I think I’m gonna stick with what I just said and I think that The Thinker is definitely contemplating. So maybe the artist was a philosopher? And the man in the statue seems to be contemplating some sort of deep philosophical predicament
