Artist: Richard MacDonald
Title: Tango Study III
Medium: Bronze Sculpture
Size: 22 1/4" wide x 12" deep x 15 3/4" high
Inscription: Signed and numbered on stone base
Edition: 12/75
Year: C. 1995
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Richard MacDonald's bronze sculpture, "Tango Study III", is a striking exploration of dance and emotion rendered through the medium of bronze. This figurative work vividly captures the intimate and dynamic interplay between two dancers, Jordi and Zita, as they engage in a passionate tango. The bronze sculpture is meticulously crafted to emphasize the fluidity of motion and the interplay of light and shadow on the dancers' forms. The contrast between the dancers' dynamic poses and the solid bronze medium underscores the tension between movement and stillness.
Standing at 15.75 inches high, with a width of 22.25 inches and a depth of 12 inches, "Tango Study III" is a masterful portrayal of the emotional and physical connection between the dancers. The sculpture showcases MacDonald's exceptional ability to convey movement and feeling, with Jordi and Zita locked in a moment of profound engagement. The intertwined limbs and expressive faces of the dancers highlight the tension and release that characterize their dance. MacDonald's attention to anatomical detail and the subtleties of human interaction are evident, capturing the essence of their passionate embrace.
"Tango Study III" is signed in the cast and again on the base alongside the edition number (12/75). Purchase include a gallery certificate of authenticity.
About Richard MacDonald
Richard MacDonald is widely celebrated as one of the foremost figurative sculptors of our time, renowned for his deep exploration of the human form. Over the past three decades, MacDonald has dedicated himself to creating bronze sculptures with an unyielding passion, positioning himself as a leading figure in the neo-figurative movement. His work, characterized by its realism, is profoundly influenced by motion and the art of dance.
MacDonald's artistic journey began with a classical education in painting. Graduating Cum Laude from the Art Center College of Design in 1971, he initially made his mark in the world of illustration, notably capturing the essence of sporting events, including the Olympics. However, after a decade of illustration, MacDonald shifted his focus to sculpture, driven by his fascination with the human body.
In 1983, MacDonald retired from illustration and fully immersed himself in sculpture, quickly gaining international acclaim. His sculptures are celebrated for their dynamism, refinement, and exceptional quality, earning him numerous prestigious commissions. His work remains deeply rooted in the exploration of the human body's physicality and aesthetics, with MacDonald often working with live models to achieve unparalleled anatomical precision.
While ballet and dance have been subjects of artistic exploration for centuries, MacDonald's approach is distinct. His sculptures are meticulously crafted, anatomically accurate, and infused with a profound emotive spectrum. Rather than offering a literal representation, his work portrays idealized characters and scenes, capturing the grace and tension of movement with masterful composition and balance.
MacDonald's collaborations with some of the world's most esteemed dancers and performers—including members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet, and Cirque du Soleil—further underscore his dedication to his craft. His contributions have been recognized by various international organizations, including the United States Olympic Committee, reflecting his impact both within and beyond the art world.
Born in Pasadena, California, in 1946, Richard MacDonald continues to create with the fervor and commitment of history's greatest sculptors. His works, celebrated for their passion and energy, stand as some of the most coveted pieces in contemporary sculpture. MacDonald maintains his studio in Monterey, California, where he continues to shape and celebrate the beauty of the human form.