Rococo/ Neoclassical/ Romantic (1700-1800AD)

Viewpoint Writing Assignment Examples:

The artist's point of view:

Ganymede and the Eagle by Bertel Thorvaldsen, 1817-1829


As I sit in my studio reflecting on the sculptures I’ve done, I realize that my crowning achievement was Ganymede and the Eagle. The sculpture represents the tender moment when both characters interact with a nearly intimate touch. In the story of Ganymede, the god, Zeus assumed the form of an eagle and carried Ganymede away to Mount Olympus to be his cup bearer. As I depicted this story, the viewer sees the majesty of the eagle and the love of a boy. Unless one knows the story there is little indication of the events which are about to take place. I believe this to be a strength of my work. Some sculptors create such outlandish compositions with a disturbing amount of motion. Bernini, for instance; his works are so agitated they make the viewer fatigued by simply looking at them. Or this new guy, Carpeaux. How can anyone contemplate sculptures such as his without becoming worn out, fatigued and tired? Ganymede and the Eagle is meant to give solace, to impart a sense of love. One could contemplate this sculpture for hours and revel in a soft sense of relaxation.

I think the most difficult part of this sculpture was the eagle’s feathers. Sculpting the feathers wasn’t actually that difficult physically, but the tedium of carving the delicate textures over and over again was mentally taxing. It seemed like I would never finish. And that’s one of the reasons why I needed over ten years to complete this work.

As I stated before, I am very happy with this sculpture. The textures are especially exciting to me. The eagle’s feathers provide an excellent contrast to the smooth subtle skin of the boy. The cloth at the boys feet and his hair help to provide the necessary textural link between the boy and eagle. Another textural contrast is noted mentally. The contrast between the soft gentle scene depicted in the sculpture and the events of the near future where Ganymede is abducted by the eagle. One can imagine a violent scene full of twisting forms. So in that way I may have even satisfied Bernini and Carpeaux.

Sincerely

Bertel Thorvaldsen

A Character's point of view:

I, Ganymede, am a humble servant of the gods. I will provide for nature’s animals and in turn the gods will provide me with comfort and other necessities. I need not worry about the sun burning me or the rain chilling me, the gods will be my protector. This eagle has come to me for water and it is an honor to serve such a majestic bird. I wish I could do more. I wish I could fly with him; to soar above the earth and watch dispassionately as the groundlings go about their daily chores. But would this upset the gods? Would not my venture into their realm be a sacrilege? Such thoughts are sinful. To envy and lust after that which was not meant for me. Forgive me, forgive me! I am so happy to serve you! I need for nothing and will repay the gods by being the best servant I can.


Or an alternate idea for Ganymede:

Ok, I’m sitting here naked feeding this eagle. Why? What in the world would posses me to wear nothing but a hat? Besides that, how tame is this eagle? The thing is huge! If it wanted, I’m sure it could carry me off to its nest as food for its offspring. Dude, ok, just stay calm. Let it drink what it wants. Maybe it’ll be happy and fly away. No one is going to believe this when I get back home. Where is my digital camera when I need it? Oh yeah, it’s in my pants pocket. Dang. Could this be a dream? It’s too real. --But it’s in black and white. So either this is a dream or I’m watching some old movie... of myself... naked...feeding an eagle. Ok, I’ve lost it. I’ve gone over the edge. Commit me now because that straight jacket would feel mighty warm at this moment.