PinArt | Sculpture, a Witness to Time

The Development of Early Sculpture

As a witness to human civilization, sculpture boasts a long and profound history. It is not merely an art form but also a heritage of culture and spirit. Since prehistoric times, sculpture has existed as a unique medium for humans to express their emotions.

The earliest sculptural works can be traced back to around 32,000 BCE, though they bear little resemblance to the sculptures we are familiar with today. Most of these early creations were functional objects adorned with sculptural elements, or small-scale carvings of animals and human figures made from bone, ivory, or stone. Admittedly, when compared to modern works of art, these prehistoric sculptures may seem simplistic. However, in the present day, sculpture has evolved into a sophisticated and diverse art form, showcasing profound depth and remarkable beauty.

In terms of the human figure, sculpture can depict single or grouped figures, either in motion or at rest. Sculptors explore elements such as space, volume, mass, lines, texture, light, and movement. Among these, volume and space are the primary focuses.

The Three Fates (Ancient Greece), currently housed in the British Museum

A similar evolutionary process can be observed in the development of sculpture during the Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods: starting from the frontal, rigid representations of ancient times, it eventually arrived at the understanding that the human body is a relatively continuous volume enclosed by the surrounding space, and to some extent, it can be said that this volume permeates the space. In Hellenistic, Late Gothic, or Baroque sculpture, the sense of expansive space inevitably enhances the suggestion of movement. This suggestion is achieved through twisted dynamics and outstretched postures, or often through an uneven and varied surface texture. The resulting light and shadows emphasize a sense of intricacy and change.

An important node in sculpture art

Among the numerous sculptural schools, ancient Greek sculpture is renowned for its portrayal of the proportions and lines of human beauty. A prime example is Myron’s Discobolus (The Discus Thrower).

These works not only reflect the ancient Greeks’ profound understanding of human aesthetics but also embody their pursuit of harmony and balance.

By contrast, ancient Roman sculpture was more secular, characterized by a stronger sense of realism and a focus on depicting individual traits. For instance, Augustus of Prima Porta presents an idealized image of the emperor.

Ancient Greek sculpture exerted a profound influence on subsequent art movements, with its artistic style and aesthetic concepts becoming a model for Western art. Building on the inheritance and development of ancient Greek art, ancient Roman sculpture integrated local culture as well as bronze-casting and stone-carving techniques, making outstanding contributions to the advancement of Western realistic sculpture.

Renaissance sculpture

During the Renaissance, the European art world experienced a great revival, and sculptural art also reached a new peak during this period. Artists began to re-examine classical art, and on this basis, they made innovations and advancements, endowing sculptural art with unprecedented vitality and depth.

Moses by Michelangelo

A series of timeless masterpieces emerged during this era. Michelangelo’s David, for example, stands as an outstanding representative of Renaissance sculptural art. This 5.17-meter-tall statue, with its exquisite craftsmanship and profound connotations, has become a symbol of Florence. David not only demonstrates the sculptor’s precise grasp of human anatomy and muscle lines but also embodies the essence of humanism—the celebration of human reason and strength. The far-reaching influence of this work has spread to many countries around the world, and we often encounter displays and explanations of David in textbooks and art galleries.

David’s standing posture, resolute gaze, and clenched hands all convey a sense of strength and determination, inspiring people to face challenges and strive for excellence.

David by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the genius sculptor of the Baroque period, also created a version of David. Bernini’s David is more dynamic, capturing a moment of psychological tension and action—it freezes the instant when David is preparing to hurl the stone in battle. Completed between 1623 and 1624, this work took seven months to finish. Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, it is currently housed in the Galleria Borghese (Borghese Gallery and Museum) in Rome, Italy.

Galleria Borghese, Rome

Located in Rome, Italy, this museum houses many of Bernini’s classic works and is a pilgrimage site for sculpture enthusiasts.

Though Bernini belonged to the Baroque era, his works were also influenced by the artistic style of the Renaissance. His sculptures are celebrated for their dramatic flair and sense of movement, capable of transforming marble—a cold and rigid material—into works of art brimming with vitality. Bernini’s sculptures are not merely static displays but convey emotions and narratives.

Apollo and Daphne by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

The influence of Western sculpture on China

The influence of Western sculpture on Chinese art has been most prominent in the modern and contemporary periods. With the introduction of Western culture, Chinese sculptors began to engage with Western sculptural schools such as realism and expressionism. These new artistic concepts and techniques inspired Chinese sculptors to explore the integration of tradition and modernity, as well as Eastern and Western aesthetics, driving the diversified development of Chinese sculptural art.

For example, Xiang Jing’s Will the World Be Better? — “Animal” Series and Liu Yonggang’s Embrace of Love Series are typical representatives of such integration efforts. Rooted in traditional Chinese philosophical thought while incorporating the three-dimensional expressive techniques of Western sculpture, these series demonstrate how Chinese sculpture, in its journey toward the global stage, seeks to find and establish its own cultural identity and subjective position.

In its development, modern Chinese sculpture has been significantly influenced by Western sculpture, yet it has also continuously strived to define its own cultural identity. Building on the inheritance and promotion of traditional Chinese sculptural art, Chinese sculptors actively explore dialogue and exchange with international art trends, forming a modern sculptural art with distinct Chinese characteristics and showcasing the unique charm of Eastern art.

Will the World Be Better? — “Animal” Series

The Development Direction of Modern Chinese Sculpture

The development direction of modern Chinese sculpture is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Exploring Local Cultural Characteristics

Urban sculpture should take local culture as the starting point for design, integrate Chinese and Western cultures, and absorb excellent ideas from both domestic and international sources. By exploring and excavating local cultural characteristics, the expression of national culture can be strengthened, endowing urban sculpture with more localized features and styles.

2. Emphasizing Artistry

Urban sculpture should not only meet practical needs but also possess artistic value. In the design and creation process, emphasis should be placed on artistry, transforming urban sculpture into a work of art within urban culture, thereby enhancing the cultural value and appeal of the city.

3. Standardizing Management

With the growth in the number and scale of urban sculptures, it is necessary to establish a standardized management system. Formulating standards and norms for urban sculpture, and strengthening the safety protection and maintenance management of these works, will not only help improve the quality of urban sculpture but also reduce the waste of public resources and prevent safety accidents.

These development directions not only reflect modern Chinese sculpture’s inheritance and development of traditional culture but also demonstrate its application and aesthetic value in modern society.

Fan Hua (Flowers) Series – Wind and Moon, 27×21×87cm, Bronze