Sculpture

Educator Daphne Beneke surveys the diverse subjects, materials and purposes of sculpture over time, looking at Bodhisattva Maitreya (2nd-3rd century), Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen (modeled 1878–81; cast after 1936) by Edgar Degas and Rock Form (Porthcurno) (1964) by Barbara Hepworth, from the Museum's sculpture collection.

The series Spotlight on Art: Videos for Schools offers a closer look at objects from the Norton Simon collections. Featuring 2 to 3 artworks, each video is designed to encourage prolonged looking, reflection and discussion, while also including information about the artist and historical context. What’s more, the series provides an ongoing connection to the Museum for teachers and students from afar. We encourage you to use these videos in combination with our curriculum packets, activity lesson plans, and other related materials provided in the links below.

 FEATURED ARTWORKS

• Bodhisattva Maitreya
• Degas’s Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen
• Hepworth’s  Rock Form (Porthcurno

LEARN MORE

• Watch: Degas as Sculptor: Materials and Mixed Media Modeling
• Watch: Edgar Degas at the Norton Simon
• Curriculum Packet: Sculpture
• Curriculum Packet: Edgar Degas
• Curriculum Packet: Women Artists

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Bodhisattva Maitreya:
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Gandhara
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Buddhism and Buddhist Art
• Edgar Degas:
• National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.: Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Edgar Degas (1834–1917): Bronze Sculpture
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Conserving Degas
• Barbara Hepworth:
• Barbara Hepworth website
• Tate St. Ives: Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden