Floating Woman by Gaston Lachaise

Gaston Lachaise presented a particular spirit and sensuality to American sculpture by honoring the female form. The excessive physical features of some of his works reflect a marked influence of prehistoric art. The original floating woman was modeled in 1927, cast in 1934-35, and established in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. A second foundry was secured in 1963 for the Society Hill Town House Development designed by architect I. M. Pei and sponsored by the Alcoa Corporation and the city's Redevelopment Authority.

One of Lachaise's best-known monumental works is The original floating woman. The expansive, floating figure represents a timeless earth goddess that Lachaise knew of and sought to capture throughout his career. His wife, muse, and model, Elizabeth, inspired this vision. His wife is that "majestic woman" who once walked alongside him along the banks of the Seine. This work of art is a tribute to the power of all women.

This floating woman caught my attention while searching for a sculptural work for this assignment. I love how the author shaped every part of this woman's body. You can see and feel the love, time, and dedication that the sculptor put into every detail of this work of art. I love how Lachaise dared to challenge the barriers of what it meant to see a naked person at the time. I like how the artists decided to capture the naked human body in its maximum splendor and beauty without falling into morbidity. For me, this floating woman is an excellent message for all women to love and accept themselves as they are. The woman's body is beautiful regardless of color or size; therefore, it must be cared for as a sacred temple. Artists should do this type of sculpture more often to break the stereotypes of a beautiful body.

One detail that I like about the floating woman is the position of the hands. I think her hands are open as a sign that she is willing to face all the obstacles that she may find along the way. For me, the way she has her arms is a sign of strength and determination to achieve all her dreams. I love the name of this sculpture because it suggests that sometimes it's not wrong to take your feet off the ground to give way to your imagination.


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