About this artwork
Described as “the sculptor of gesture,” George Minne skillfully conveyed emotional states through pose. Here, a gaunt young man kneels with his head lowered and his arms wrapped tightly around himself. His posture indicates physical and psychological self-enclosure, but it is unclear whether the composition embodies torment, grief, resignation, or even languor. This uncertainty enhances the work’s mystery and reflects the artist’s interest in Symbolism, a movement that prized indeterminate, personal meaning. This plaster was probably included in the 1900 Vienna Secession exhibition, a key venue for the display of avant-garde art and design.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 246
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Department
- Painting and Sculpture of Europe
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Artist
- George Minne
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Title
- Kneeling Youth
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Place
- Vienna (Object made in)
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Date
- 1895–1905
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Medium
- Plaster
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Dimensions
- 73.7 × 16.5 × 35.6 cm (29 × 6 1/2 × 14 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Celia and David C. Hilliard
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Reference Number
- 2021.274
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
