The Magnificent Warrior
18 in / 45,5 cm
A zodiac sign.
Sagittarius, or the Magnificent Warrior, is focalized conscience.
Sagittarius is aiming at a target. He fires, in full control and removed from time. He is extremely focused on his target and sees nothing else. This is beyond confidence; it is certainty, almost the quiet calm of reaching the goal. His two hind legs are extremely strong; one is pawing the ground to go forward, the other, just as strong, is raised and ready to change direction and adjust the shot. While the back legs are reminiscent of sheer animal strength, the front limbs speak of man; the leg touching the ground is slightly bent, just as it would be for such dances as the minuet, where the man salutes and bows forward in reverence. It is all part of his dandy side. The other “leg” is crossed over in font of him. When we wish to protect our inner selves, we usually cross our arms across our chests; Sagittarius folds his leg, thereby letting us know that not just anyone can get in. This position also hides secrets and unsuspected strengths. The ring he wears in his ear is a seductive element as well as a symbol of rebellion and liberty.
Anecdote
This is the second sculpture of this sign that I have created. After some extensive reading on the subject, I had made a first Sagittarius that in my opinion was more cerebral. I had greatly held my emotional creativity in check. My friend Marlène, a Sagittarius, didn’t see much of herself in it: it must be said that she is very special and quite unusual. I therefore made a second Sagittarius, this time from instinct.
This model was enlarged to a height of twelve feet in West Palm Beach, Florida. The owners had three similar sculptures cast, one of which is installed in Miami. For a number of years, the current owners of this Sagittarius had been looking in various countries for a bronze sculpture for their home. When they saw a picture of The Magnificent Warrior, they shouted: That’s it! After another two years of investigating, they contacted me and the project got under way. The project begun in the summer of 1999 was completed in April 2000.
Treatment
Bronze sculpture (18in/45.5cm) with patina on a black granite base.
