Immortality in Marble

Yesterday I went to visit the Renaissance Portrait show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, mostly because I saw a hilarious poster near the entrance which showcased one of the few sculptures on display. Because of its highly humorous quality, and the fact that it reminded me of the tragic and beautiful character Widmerpool (who has been floating about my thoughts for the past three weeks), I had to go see it.  Lo and behold, in all its glory, there it was- and, trust you me, I had plenty of kicks looking at him.  Most hilarious is that on the left side of his eye, there looks to be a bruise- as if someone gave him a black eye.

When you decide to take a closer glance at what this is- a sculpture of Niccolo di Leonardo Strozzi in marble by Mino Da Fiesole, you really have to wonder so many things.  Most importantly, that the sculptor was truly not doing justice to his subject, or was he already more than generous?  The fact that it was commissioned by the subject himself (after you find he was a banker for the Papal Bank) is no wonder (such being the case with most rich people who like to see themselves immortalized, as when Andy Warhol received tons of commissions by society folk), but, what was Niccolo's response when he saw this less than flattering depiction?  Probably he thought himself to be the most handsome man in the world.  Well, who's to disagree?

As for myself, I think that this is truly a masterpiece- a comedic and aesthetic display of brilliance. Rodin need not fear for his reputation, but was Rodin ever such an impressionist of the knee slapping variety that is this work?  Ha!  Anyway, if you can do me a great favor, by all means, do go and see it.

ha and ha.