The Gilded Age in American Art

Discussion Starters: Visual
Is the form of this sculpture open or closed?

How did MacMonnies balance this sculpture?
What material is this made from? Gilded Age artists perfected the art of bronze casting.

Why would bronze be such a valued material during the Gilded Age?
Pan is the Greek god of the forests and shepherds. In this sculpture he is not shown with his typical attributes; there are no horns or cloven hooves, and fish surround him instead of woodland creatures.

How would you know that this was Pan? What does he wear on his head?

What is the mood of this sculpture?

While MacMonnies was living in Paris, he hired a little boy to pose for the figure of Pan. How would working with a model give this sculpture a more naturalistic feel?