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New Portrait
WEEK 2
Reflection on Sculpture as the Sum of Its Profiles: François Willème and Photosculpture in France, 1859-1868
Most innovations in the art world come from solving technical problems. François Willème’s development of photosculpture in the 1860s was his way of improving accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional sculpting. Even though this kind of technology feels common now, its influence in the 1860s was massive, both positively and negatively. It reminds me of the reaction when AI illustration tools came out—so many artists were against it, saying it killed creativity in art. Back then, sculptors and painters dedicated decades to perfecting their skills to make their work more realistic, and photosculpture seemed to dismiss all that effort.
At the same time, I find it impressive that Willème pushed ahead despite the criticism and technical challenges he faced. He saw the potential of his invention and built something entirely new, knowing it would stir controversy. It’s clear that, like AI today, photosculpture forced people to rethink what defines art and creativity. While it may not have been embraced by everyone, Willème’s determination and willingness to challenge tradition made a lasting impact on the art world.
Key Discussion Question:
- Can innovation and tradition coexist in art, or does one always overshadow the other?
- How does this debate compare to contemporary issues like AI in creative fields?
- Photosculpture was praised for making sculpture more affordable and accessible to the public. How does this democratization of art align with or challenge the idea of “high art”? Are there parallels today with technology making art more accessible, such as digital tools or platforms like Insta
Insights:
- Photosculpture used 24 photographic profiles to create 3D forms. A pantograph transferred these outlines to clay, where the artist refined the figure.
- While there’s no direct evidence, it’s speculated that Willème’s work may have influenced Auguste Rodin’s approach to profiles in sculpture.