February 2, 2010
Death mask
"Louis" of San Francisco Bay Daily Photo correctly guessed who the bust in front of yesterday's narra screen was: St. Ignatius of Loyola (Spanish, 1491–1556), the founder of the Society of Jesus. What pleased me too was the gut reaction of Julie of Sydney Eye ("It looks like a death mask!") because in a way, she was correct too. The bust is bronze and cast by Filipino sculptor and SF Bay resident Earl E. Enriquez from the death mask of Ignatius; or if you want to be precise, from a plaster cast made from his death mask which is kept in the Jesuit archives in Rome. I agree with Mike Rose and Chuck Pefley that the pedestal supporting the bust is not a great choice, but what is intriguing about it is that the height of the pedestal with the bust represents the actual height of Ignatius. Based on the dimensions of his death mask, and a surviving soutane and pair of shoes, it is estimated that San Ignacio de Loyola was 5 feet and 3 inches (160 cm). The bust and screen are part of the "Faces of the Ateneo" exhibit, one of four special exhibits of the Ateneo Art Gallery for its 50th anniversary, running until March 15.
Such an interesting conclusion to yesterday's post. Amazing that the correct guess came from S.F. ...they must know the sculptor's body of work. I love how you cited so many of your followers in your notes today, Hilda.
ReplyDeleteLooks as if he would start to talk the very next moment.
ReplyDeletePlease have a nice Tuesday.
This is all very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing!
ReplyDelete«Louis» is blushing...
ReplyDelete;-)
Captivating in a creepy way. :)
ReplyDeleteBrattcat, never under-estimate Bovine intellignece. Hee-hee!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brattcat, too, about the wonderful and satisfying conclusion your provided to yesterdays mysteries. A very nice sequel, Hilda. And today's photo of St. Ignatius is excellent. Who would have thought he and I are the same height! -:)
vue zoomer magnifique de ce masque...
ReplyDeleteChuck at that height, are you on or off the Vespa?
ReplyDeleteIf the answer is "off the Vespa", then the floor under you is just a bit low. It has nothing to do with your actual height. Got that? ;-)
he actually reminds me of professor x. i hope they will also be displayed in greenbelt.
ReplyDeleteYou really tied this all together nicely Hilda. You sure do know how to keep us all in suspense.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he survived. Thanks, Hilda, for fleshing out his story.
ReplyDeleteHad to come back and see what this bust is. It's a little creepy knowing it's a death mask and yet has beauty and a beautiful patina and such an interesting story too.
ReplyDeletehi hilds! part two! nice post! looks like a mask definitely, such a history and again, very informative...^0^
ReplyDeletea beautiful piece of art and interesting history behind it, never been to Intramuros church, thanks for sharing Hilda about it's history, mind opening
ReplyDeleteWooow! Hilda that is very very interesting. Having this death mask thing is kind of creepy but very historical! It blended so well with the screen you posted last time but I do agree, the pedestal was kind of out :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday! Or is it late to greet for Tuesday? okay, HAPPY WEDNESDAY :D God Bless
Steven^^
Dear Hilda, your posts are always interesting. I also like to read the comments , very informative! :)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Léia
*** loved your header
Interesting and very informative, Thanks for sharing. Wow! aabutan ko pa ang exhibit, until March 15 pa pala. Pwede bang pumunta kahit sino?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I am honoring you an award ( Kreativ blogger award) . Please come and visit my photoblog and collect it on my sidebar.
Thanks Ms. Hilda.
Very interesting history. Ignatius was not much taller than me!
ReplyDeleteExcellent follow up post Hilda and fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I'm happy that something escaped the fire. This close-up of the mask is impressive.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, who would not recognize that face. :) My mom and my sister taught in Xavier school (San Juan) for 15 years. I did my masters in Ateneo. I would have loved to see the exhibit had I been there. Am glad to have a glimpse of it through your blog. Thank you for sharing this, Hilda! :)
ReplyDeleteDom:
ReplyDeleteI think he looks like Patrick Stewart too. Heehee.
Misalyn:
Yes, the exhibits are open to the public. Gallery hours are M-F 8am-12nn & 1-5pm, Sat 8am-12nn.
I found this to be fascinating. I think it's intriguing that the height of the mask on the pedestal matches the height of St. Ignatius.
ReplyDelete