Awakening

Copied Joseph E. Renier, Awakening, 1920s, bronze, 13 1445 in. (33.610.212.7 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Renier, 1968.11

Artwork Details

Title
Awakening
Date
1920s
Dimensions
13 1445 in. (33.610.212.7 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Renier
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure male — nude
  • State of being — other — sleep
Object Number
1968.11

Artwork Description

Awakening and Dancer may have been made to be featured in extravagant gardens. Joseph Renier received many commissions for garden sculptures; in 1928 one of his pieces won an award from the Garden Club of America. In Awakening the figure leans back, one hand on his forehead and the other outstretched, as if caught at the moment of inspiration. In Dancer, Renier applied a rich, gilded finish to emphasize the figure’s curved muscles and graceful pose.