Members of the Union community and guests of the Steiner family of Pacific Palisades, Calif., gathered at the Henle Pavilion Saturday to dedicate two fine art limited edition bronze works.
Leslie and David Steiner donated “The Shade” and “Age of Bronze” sculptures in honor of their daughters, Courtney, a member of the Class of 2012, and Rachel ’14, who took part in Sunday’s Commencement. Both majored in art history and served as photo editors of Concordiensis.
The art works, on display in Foster Atrium, were cast from a genuine studio plaster using the cire perdue (lost wax) method. Each bronze bears the stamped signature of 19th century French sculptor Rodin as well as the seal of the publisher (Bronze Masters International) and foundry (Atelier Elliot Gantz Foundry in Farmingdale, N.Y.).
Each is from an edition of 25 with five artist’s proofs, signed and numbered by the foundry.
“The Shade” is part of Rodin’s The Gates of Hell, which was inspired by Dante’s The Divine Comedy. The original studio plaster was created circa 1886.
The pieces are part of the College’s Permanent Collection, whose holdings include such internationally renowned artists as Francisco Goya, Lee Krasner, Édouard Manet, Jean-François Millet, Francesco Piranesi, Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol.
Following Saturday’s unveiling of the sculptures and a ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed a reception in the atrium.
“These are two spectacular pieces by one of the best-known artists who has ever done sculpture,” said President Stephen C. Ainlay. “If you are going to start a sculpture tradition, this is about the best way you could ever do it. They are a reminder of not only what Union has meant to the Steiner family, but also what the Steiner family has meant to Union.”
Located on the west side of campus overlooking Jackson’s Garden, the Henle Dance Pavilion opened a year ago, made possible by Joan and David L. Henle ’75 with support from other donors. The new facility represents a major commitment to the study, performance and research of the arts at Union.