It was the spring of 2013, the Kimbell was hosting the exhibit
Bernini Sculpting in Clay a collection of the renowned Baroque sculptor’s terracotta study models. The models served as “sketches” from which the final product in marble, or bronze would be executed.
All was hunky dory as we made our way through the exhibit until we came upon a group clustered around a particular piece. I recall my excitement welling up, this must be the model for the
Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, what else could garner this much attention from the patched elbow types?
A gap opened up and there it was, Bernini’s [i]Study of a Horse[/]…
(click o thumbnail)
To paraphrase my old lady; not only do we have a horse *** [bum, rump, arse] on display, there were five or six pseudo intellectual types, spending an inordinate amount of time transfixed with fingers to the chin analyzing the piece. Something about the whole scene set her off into a fit of laughter she could hardly contain, including her bladder. Seeing the agitation on the faces of the protection staff, it was necessary to move her out into the lobby to settle down.
Since the Bernini horse ***[bum,rump, arse] incident, she has come to grips with her weakness and respectfully bows out of most art museum excursions.
Btw
Study of a Horse was most likely used for
The Vision of Constantine sculpture at the Vatican, or possibly a study for his equestrian statue of Louis the XIV.