RICHARD L. MINNS
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Against Goliath 1L
Life-Size David  In Loincloth (Natural Texture)
Bronze, 200 high x 130 x 90 cm (base 72 x 72 cm), 2005
78.5 high x 51 x 35.5 inches (base 28.5 x 28.5 inches)

Description of Sculpture:
This sculpture is identical to the Life-Size nude David, except that a loincloth has been added, and the surface is made smooth in the style of the Renaissance Old Masters. For those who prefer David to be covered, the sculptor has created a second series of the same sculpture, where David is wearing a brief loincloth. THE SCULPTOR WILL NOT ALLOW A FIG LEAF TO BE PLACED ON HIS WORK.

Artist's Interpretation:
"I created a second edition of my large and my small David, sculpting a loincloth on each, to meet the requests of several of my collectors. I will now proclaim my position on nudity:

"Total nudity has seldom been criticised in depictions of the nude woman, but some religious and social proponents feel that it is in better "taste" to cover the genitals of the nude male. This is a matter of individual opinion, of which there are many. But the Old Masters' position on Nudity (and mine as well) is as follows, and it is incontrovertible by any artistic standard:

"A representation of the male naked body was considered by Greek, Roman and Renaissance sculptors to be an opportunity to represent the perfect male figure. Not to include the genitals in such a creation (whether it was the Greek gods as well as King David and Jesus Christ) would be to leave out an essential element of his manhood. The scruples of more conservative authorities would mask the creation, but the intent of the sculptor in such instances was crystal clear.

"Covering genitals in sculpture has a long history. Michelangelo was furious when Pope Paul II decided that Christ's genitals in the 'Last Judgement' had to be painted over. Michelangelo refused to do so, and his renown was such that he could personally stand up to the Pope. Accordingly, the Pope commissioned one of Michelangelo's students for the task.

"When we are in the presence of a sculpture of a naked figure of a male or a female by a Master, we see an ennoblement of the earthly human being. We may see beings of our own sex or of the opposite sex without feeling that the representations are erotic, but the sculptures touch us deeply as evocations of our deepest physical emotions.

"I am willing to add a loincloth to cover my males if the loincloth in itself becomes an integral part of the sculpture and does not detract from the sculpture. This has been accomplished with my David. I will not, however, allow a fig leaf to be placed on any of my nude sculptures."

Richard L. Minns

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