“I assert that the art of sculpture, among all the arts connected with design, is at least seven times greater than any other, for the following reason: why, sir, a statue of true sculpture ought to have seven points of view, which ought all to boast equal excellence.”
― Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography Of Benvenuto Cellini
Gymnast, by Enrique Alferez, bronze, Poydras Street, New Orleans
In the City of New Orleans there is a fantastic arrangement of sculpture along Poydras Street. Walking down and back from my son’s apartment to the Running of the Bulls I took photos of a few of them that I’ll share with you.
The first one that I noticed was a beautiful bronze woman in an athletic, dancelike pose, rising above the median only a few feet toward the river from where my son lives. Looking it up, I wasn’t too surprised to find out it was another work by Enrique Alferez like the nearby Lute Player and David – which I wrote about the last two days.
Alferez has work all over the city.I must make a list and try to get to some more the next time I visit.
Bill Chance 
Hi Bill!
I’m the model.
That’s so cool! I can’t Image what it would be like to see a sculpture that you modeled for out in the public like that. You should be very proud.
I thought I would never see it again. It was the only time I worked with him. Then one day when I was in town I had lunch with a friend on poydras and we even discussed it. After lunch I walked towards the river and walked an extra block to catch a different bus.
Looked up and there it was.
I was Charles Richards’ model for the most part outside of a few drawing groups and classes.
Tried to leave a reply
Sorry – WordPress is set up so that I have to approve new comments – otherwise it would be inundated with spam.
I can’t imagine seeing a sculpture of myself – especially if it was unexpected. I think the city has done such a great job of putting those sculptures along Poydras – I enjoy walking away from my son’s place.
That’s great – Charles Richards is such an iconic New Orleans artist.
Did you know Charles? I’ll show you some of his work but guess I need to email it
No, I just a fan of New Orleans art. If you want to email me something, my address is bill.chance57@gmail.com. If you do send me something – tell me if you want me to write about it.