Narayanan @ Narayan Hrithuyalaya

This is a statue of Lord Narayanan ( @ Vishnu ) at the reception of Narayan Hrithuyalaya Hospital in Bangalore. The idol which should be about 20 foot tall, stands majestically in the reception of the hospital.

(Click the picture to enlarge)

Pieta - by Michalangelo

In the reception area in my office in Madurai, I have this Pieta Photograph of size 3 feet by five feet on the wall. I got the picture from Rome and it is now adorning the wall. Lots of visitors in general and christians in particular who visit my office could stand very near to the Pieta and admire the talent of Michalangelo.

In 1498 Michelangelo, only 22 years old, agrees to sculpt within a year, of a "Pietà" (pity) in marble destined to be placed in the Basilica of San Pietro.

On a piece of marble personally chosen in the pits of Carrara, Michelangelo represents the isolated aspects of the Virgin Mary holding in her arms the body of the Christ right after it was taken down from the Cross. 1.74cm high, the "Pietà" of Michelangelo presents strong particularities in the anatomy and also in the finishes of the drapes, with translucent effects of accentuated by the way in which the light seemed to caress the marble superficies.

It is said that Michelangelo, not used to firm the own works, after he had casually heard some visitors from Lombardy say that the "Pietà" was the work of Gobbo di Milano, a leading sculptor at that time, went to the Basilica of San Pietro on the night itself, and engraved on the work the writing: "Angelus Bonarotus Florentinus Faciebat". (you can see this signature, on the Pieta that is in my office).

Sleeping Beauty @ Louver, Paris

Frankly, I forgot to note the sculpture of this "Beauty on bed" found in Louver Museum, Paris. Do note one of her leg is in the air when she sleeps. Also note the wrinkles in the bed in proportion to her body weight (like foam bed advertisements we see). Marvelous.

Michaelangelo's David

Among the billions of fans of Michaelangelo, I am one. Be it the Pieta or Sistine Chappel or David, you can see the sculptors perfection to the core. His precise definition of human body is appreciated till date.

David is a masterpiece sculpted by Michelangelo from 1501 to 1504. The 5.17 meter (17 feet) marble statue portrays the Biblical King David in the nude. Michelangelo chose to represent David before the fight contemplating the battle yet to come. The completed sculpture was unveiled on 8 September 1504.

I waited in the hot sun in Florence (Italy) to see David. It should have been afternoon 2 PM. It was really thirsty. I barged into a near by gelatti (ice cream) shop and got water bottles. At the entry itself, the staff instructed not to take any photograph inside the Museum. That added thrill. By the time I found David it was already 4PM. Atlast I reached the 17 foot tall majestic DAVID. The proposition of a human being who could be max max 7 foot into a 17 foot tall statue was AMAZING. I could not resist myself. I risked my camera and took a few shots of DAVID (without using flash). To my surprise all the shots came very well. Here they are for you to enjoy.

Kindly make note of the following:
(1) The huge crowd infront of David
(2) Size of David compared to liliput human visitors
(3) Anatomy of Davids hand like Veins etc
(4) Centre of Gravity of David statue is only on one leg. Other leg is only supportive. Such a huge statue precisely balanced to stand in its own leg : that brings David to Life. That's Michaleangelo.

Note: Do look David from an Artist point of view. (Not from a common mans point of view)

From an Artists Point of View:

Often we scold children when they see nude pictures. And we try (our level best) to shield away from (A) category.

In Paris, I was stunned : in seeing beautiful sculptures in white marble and in seeing school students sitting on the floor in Louver museum drawing these sculptures. Infact the tutor is around to make suitable corrections. Probably these children donot see nudity as a vulgar scene. It is seen from an aritist point of view. I was bowled over.

Click the attached picture and see what I said.