Sun Worshipper [Bronze]

Sun Worshipper [Bronze]

Figure sculpture, American--20th century

Sun Worshipper, 1937
Bronze, cast 1940

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall M. Fredericks
1991.039

Fredericks treated this enigmatic, contemporary figure in a classical manner, but the result has a spiritual, ritualistic quality. Her upturned face is parallel with the sky so that her throat is stretched almost beyond physical capability. The figure's bold form is deeply carved, with angular, archaized features, ranging from the relatively naturalistic hands and feet to the striated, abstracted forms of her hair, which are echoed in the faceted drape of her skirt. The body itself is sensitively rendered with lifelike proportions and curves. Muscular, solid, and androgynous, Sun Worshipper is a powerful figure captured in a vulnerable moment. This figure is curled upon itself and turned psychologically inward, but the dramatic gesture of the unturned face suggests a spiritual quest, a philosophical concept that Fredericks has explored elsewhere.
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Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

1940

Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

Sculpture

University Center (Mich.)

10.75" x 7.25" x 7.5"

Bronze

1991.039

Main Exhibit Gallery

1989 December Gift of Rogers and Mary Marquis

"The mysterious Sun Worshipper, originally designed in 1937, was enlarged and cast to Full-Scale in 1994. Fredericks treated this enigmatic, contemporary figure a classical manner but the result has a spiritual, ritualistic quality. The lower limbs of the female figure, nude from the waist up, are draped with a wide skirt. Her knees are spread wide, with toes and feet together. Her open hands are spread, palms up, and her upturned face is parallel with the sky so that her throat is stretched almost beyond physical capability. The figures bold form is deeply carved, with angular, archaized features, ranging from relatively naturalistic hands and feet to the striated, abstract forms of her hair, which are echoes in the faceted drape of her skirt. The body itself is sensitively rendered with lifelike proportions and curves. Muscular, solid, and androgynous, Sun Worshipper is a powerful figure captured in a vulnerable moment. Like the dragon, this figure is curled upon itself and turned psychologically inward, but the dramatic gesture of the upturned face suggests a spiritual quest, a philosophical concept that Fredericks has explored elsewhere."
Fredericks, Suzanne P. "Marshall M. Fredericks, Sculptor", Saginaw Valley State University, 2003. pp 14-15


From Jennifer Lentz (Collection Documentation Intern 1991-1992)
From a Memo dated March 25, 1992
RE: Conversation with Mr. Fredericks about the history of several works in the gallery

"Sun Worshipper--He made this for fun while teaching at Cranbrook in 1937. He hoped to create it in life size and carve it in granite."