Ugolino and His Sons (Carpeaux)

Ugolino and His Sons MET DP247545

Ugolino and His Sons is a renowned sculpture created by the French artist Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux in the 19th century. This powerful work of art depicts a tragic scene from Dante Alighieri's epic poem, The Divine Comedy, specifically from the Inferno section. The sculpture showcases Ugolino della Gherardesca, a nobleman from Pisa, Italy, and his four sons and grandsons in the throes of despair and starvation, following their imprisonment.

Background

The story of Ugolino comes from Canto XXXIII of the Inferno, where Dante describes Ugolino and his children being locked in the Tower of Hunger (Torre della Fame) in Pisa, where they eventually died of starvation. According to the poem, Ugolino was accused of treason and, along with his progeny, was condemned to die by starvation. The sculpture captures the moment of intense emotion and despair, highlighting the themes of suffering, familial bonds, and human resilience in the face of doom.

Description

Carpeaux's sculpture is a masterful representation of human emotion and physical form. It shows Ugolino, emaciated and desperate, surrounded by his offspring who are variously depicted as resigned to their fate, beseeching their father, or already succumbed to death. The work is noted for its detailed realism, dynamic composition, and the intense expressiveness of the figures. Carpeaux's ability to convey the texture of skin, the tension of muscles, and the agony of their situation is particularly remarkable.

Creation and History

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux created Ugolino and His Sons between 1857 and 1861. The sculpture was initially met with mixed reactions due to its dramatic intensity and the raw emotions it portrayed. However, it eventually gained recognition as one of Carpeaux's masterpieces and a significant work of 19th-century sculpture. The original is housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France, with several casts and copies displayed in other museums and collections around the world.

Significance

The sculpture is a poignant exploration of human suffering and the primal instincts of a father's love and the will to survive. It also reflects the political and social turmoil of Carpeaux's time, including themes of injustice and the struggle against oppression. Ugolino and His Sons remains an important work in the study of French sculpture, the Romantic movement, and the visualization of literary works in art.

Influence

Carpeaux's work has influenced numerous artists and sculptors, inspiring them to explore complex emotional states and human dramas. The sculpture is often studied for its technical mastery and emotional depth, serving as a benchmark for realism and expression in sculpture.

See Also

• The Divine Comedy
• Dante Alighieri
• Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
• Musée d'Orsay
• Sculpture of the 19th century