Giacomo Manzu: The Nymph and the Faun (1968)

Giacomo Manzu, (1908-1991), was the best known Italian sculptor of the 20th century. He was recognized by Western museums and collectors as an important modern artist. As a Communist Manzu was celebrated by the Soviet art world as well. Yet he was also a Roman Catholic, a personal friend of Pope John XXIII, and he had important liturgical commissions in St. Peter's itself. He created "The Nymph and the Faun" at Wayne State University's McGreagor Memorial sculpture garden in Detroit. He was the son of a shoemaker, and other than a few evening art classes, Manzu was self-taught in sculpture, although he later became a professor himself. Giacomo Manzu was awarded Lenin Peace Prize for the year 1965. He was the subject of a famous photographic portrait by Yousuf Karsh.

Here is a cast bronze sculpture "The Nymph and the Faun". The sculpture depicts a male faun gazing upon a surprised female Nymph. In my opinion the female Nymph looks more than surprised she appears terrified while the Faun reminds me less of Mr. Tumnas from The Chronicles of Narnia and more of Golem from The Lord of the Rings. None the less I find this sculpture quite remarkable and enjoy the detail in the faces.