Le prophète
1933
Pablo Gargallo
With his arm held menacingly in the air and mouth wide open, the prophet speaks to us passionately. The swirling lines in his openwork bronze body reinforce his words. The shepherd’s staff in his hand betrays his tireless travels from place to place to spread his message.
Details
- Plan number: M17
- Zone: Human Nature
- Title: Le prophète (The Prophet)
- Creator: Pablo Gargallo , Fonderie Alexis Rudier
- Date: 1933
- Material: bronze
- Acquisition: purchase, 1951
- Object number: MID.B.005.A
Pablo Gargallo worked with the prophet motif for nearly 30 years. In this version, he brought innovation to the representation of the figure by drawing in space. He developed this way of working by cutting, bending, and warping thin sheets of metal. By cutting away material, he was able to create a new spatial dimension.
Trying to persuade with words is a very human trait. However, the transparency of the sculpture contrasts with its massive pedestal and aggressive gesture. It seems as if the artist wanted to warn against questionable messages and outward show.
Spanish sculptor Pablo Gargallo lived alternately in Barcelona and Paris. He maintained good relations with Cubist artists, even sharing a studio with Pablo Picasso for a while in the early 20th century. Cubism is therefore an important influence in his work. In addition to innovative metal figures, Gargallo also created more classical sculptures from marble and other types of stone.
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