Youth, Eyes toward the Stars

Leo Friedlander, Youth, Eyes toward the Stars, 1940, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Gordon D. Friedlander, 1971.152

Luce Center Label

Youth, Eyes toward the Stars was created as a fountain for a home in Pasadena, California. This was one of the last commissions Leo Friedlander received before the beginning of World War II. The man in the sculpture looks up toward the sky, his head thrown back and his arms gesturing, while the girl leans upon his shoulder and gazes downward. The pose suggests they are young lovers, involved in an emotional discussion and relying on each other for support at the outbreak of the war.

Luce Object Quote

“All other creatures look down toward the earth, but man was given a face so that he might turn his eyes toward the stars and gaze upon the sky.” Ovid, Metamorphoses

Title

Youth, Eyes toward the Stars

Artist

Leo Friedlander

Date

1940

Location

Dimensions