02-21-2006, 07:56 AM
Robert,
I wouldn't scrutinize the Venice Tetrarch's in search of correct proportions or fine detail...
They were intended to be placed high on columns and the sculptors (each pair was carved by a different hand) weren't concerned about realism. Even if the shoes and swords (specially the hilts) are more finely rendered, the pteruges are stiffly and schematically portrayed. It is clear that it would be rather easier to depict those at the elbows in a tube-like fashion than to try to be realistic and portrait the individual pterugae hanging freely... :roll:
I've been long thinking on this subject and I'd only take from these statues the idea of shoulder pterugae in three lengths, and that with reserve, because it is an unicum, AFAIK... :?
Aitor
I wouldn't scrutinize the Venice Tetrarch's in search of correct proportions or fine detail...
They were intended to be placed high on columns and the sculptors (each pair was carved by a different hand) weren't concerned about realism. Even if the shoes and swords (specially the hilts) are more finely rendered, the pteruges are stiffly and schematically portrayed. It is clear that it would be rather easier to depict those at the elbows in a tube-like fashion than to try to be realistic and portrait the individual pterugae hanging freely... :roll:
I've been long thinking on this subject and I'd only take from these statues the idea of shoulder pterugae in three lengths, and that with reserve, because it is an unicum, AFAIK... :?
Aitor
It\'s all an accident, an accident of hands. Mine, others, all without mind, from one extreme to another, but neither works nor will ever.
Rolf Steiner
Rolf Steiner