Carl Milles

Carl Milles

Born 1875, near Uppsala, Sweden

Died 1955, Lidingo, Sweden

 

The finest sculptor of fountain groups in the twentieth century, Carl Milles allowed his creativity free reign in this delightful sculpture comprised of 15 pieces.  The last major work by Milles, it was modeled in a studio at the American Academy at Rome. The sculpture depicts the Greek myth of the fountain sacred to the Muses, whose waters provided creative inspiration.  The garden in which it resides, built over a two-year period specifically to exhibit the sculpture, opened in 1984.  The four male figures in the pool represent branches of the fine arts.  In the words of the sculptor: “Each artist carries his symbol with him. The Poet - the blue bird; the Architect - his new formed column; the Musician – his old interesting instrument; the Painter – here represented by Eugene Delacroix – his flowers…”  The lone figure on the left side of the pool represents the sculptor.  Milles wrote, “The Sculptor is reaching for his gift from the gods -    as the Painter and the Musician have not yet grasped their symbols - these gifts from their gods are just coming - these artists feel them and grasp for them…Here we see them rushing home filled with enthusiasm - each one with his new ideas forcing them to hurry.”  The Fountain of the Muses was acquired from the Metropolitan Museum of Art on December 6, 1982.  Commissioned by the Museum’s Trustees in 1949, it was exhibited in the pool of the Lamont Wing from 1956 until 1982.

 

The Fountain of the Muses

Bronze, 1949-1955

Life-size figures, 15-piece fountain group

Cast by Bearzi Foundry, Florence, Italy

S.1983.001-016