Gazing upon Puck from William Shakespeare, one might hear the mischievous sprite whisper, “Lord, what fooles these mortals be!” This iconic sculpture, nestled outside the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C., captures the very essence of Shakespeare’s whimsical character. Puck from William Shakespeare, created by Brenda Putnam in 1932, is more than just a statue. It’s a playful jab at humanity, a timeless reminder of our follies and foibles. The inscription, taken directly from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, sets the tone for this enchanting encounter. Originally, the sculpture was a functioning fountain, with water cascading around Puck’s impish form. Now, an aluminum replica graces the fountain, while the original marble Puck resides in the theater lobby, protected from the elements. Some believe Puck’s westward gaze towards the U.S. Capitol Building adds a layer of political satire to the piece. While there’s no evidence to support this theory, it’s a fun anecdote that adds to the sculpture’s mystique. The selection of Brenda Putnam as the artist was a journey in itself. Initially, Mrs. Folger favored a different artist and style. However, the architects, Trowbridge and Cret, championed Putnam’s modern Art Deco approach, perfectly complementing the library’s aesthetic. Putnam’s Puck is a marvel of Art Deco design, its flattened form and flowing lines echoing the building’s architecture. Puck from William Shakespeare is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s words and the artistry of Brenda Putnam. It invites us to laugh at ourselves, to embrace the absurdity of life, and to remember that we are all, in some way, fools in love with the magic of the world.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to