by Artist (7)
Examen
St. Ignatius Memorial
Artist: Jeremy Leichman
Artist: Joan Benefiel
Date:
2011
21st century
Object Type:
Statue
Creation Place:
North America, United States
Medium and Support:
Bronze
Credit Line:
University Commission, 2011
Accession Number:
CAC2011.01.10
On View:
In front of Egan Chapel of St. Ignatious Loyola
The title of this sculpture, “Examen,” refers to the spiritual exercise of self-reflection developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Order of the Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits. Fittingly, the sculpture is located outside the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola on Fairfield University’s campus.
The two life-size bronze figures are identical except for their color (one white and one black). They mirror each other in a graceful, dancer-like pose that suggests the self-examination practiced during the Examen. The figures’ bare feet and religious habits further symbolize their vocation as one of devotion to God. The faces of each sculpture were created using a cast of St. Ignatius’ death mask, to which the sculptors were given access at the museum of the church of the Gesù in Rome.
The word "Examen" is engraved on two sides of the sculpture’s base. Engraved plaques surrounding the sculpture include the symbol of the Jesuit Order: the letters IHS, taken from the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek, as well as the word Examination, and three acts that form part of this twice-daily practice: Contrition, Hope, and Thanksgiving.
For more information about this piece, as well as the other sculpture that you can find around the Fairfield University campus, see ourOutdoor Sculpture Audio Guide on Cuseum here.
The two life-size bronze figures are identical except for their color (one white and one black). They mirror each other in a graceful, dancer-like pose that suggests the self-examination practiced during the Examen. The figures’ bare feet and religious habits further symbolize their vocation as one of devotion to God. The faces of each sculpture were created using a cast of St. Ignatius’ death mask, to which the sculptors were given access at the museum of the church of the Gesù in Rome.
The word "Examen" is engraved on two sides of the sculpture’s base. Engraved plaques surrounding the sculpture include the symbol of the Jesuit Order: the letters IHS, taken from the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek, as well as the word Examination, and three acts that form part of this twice-daily practice: Contrition, Hope, and Thanksgiving.
For more information about this piece, as well as the other sculpture that you can find around the Fairfield University campus, see ourOutdoor Sculpture Audio Guide on Cuseum here.
Keywords
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Contemporary
Period and styles of painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and architecture dating from the recent past and present. It differs from modern art in that the term 'Contemporary art' does not carry the implication of a non-traditional style, but instead refers only to the time period in which the work was created. 'Modern' and 'Contemporary' are inherently fluid terms. The term 'Contemporary' is sometimes more narrowly used to refer to art from ca. 1960 or 1970 up to the present. To refer to the current time period without reference to style of art, use "contemporary (generic time frame)".
Period and styles of painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and architecture dating from the recent past and present. It differs from modern art in that the term 'Contemporary art' does not carry the implication of a non-traditional style, but instead refers only to the time period in which the work was created. 'Modern' and 'Contemporary' are inherently fluid terms. The term 'Contemporary' is sometimes more narrowly used to refer to art from ca. 1960 or 1970 up to the present. To refer to the current time period without reference to style of art, use "contemporary (generic time frame)".
statues
Sculpture in the round, usually but not always depicting humans, animals, mythical beings, or small figure groups. Statues are relatively large in scale, being life-size, larger than life-size, or only slightly smaller than life-size. For small-scale representations of humans, animals, or mythical beings, use "figurines," "statuettes," or another appropriate term. For depictions of humans, animals, or mythical beings in media other than sculpture, use "figures (representations)."
Sculpture in the round, usually but not always depicting humans, animals, mythical beings, or small figure groups. Statues are relatively large in scale, being life-size, larger than life-size, or only slightly smaller than life-size. For small-scale representations of humans, animals, or mythical beings, use "figurines," "statuettes," or another appropriate term. For depictions of humans, animals, or mythical beings in media other than sculpture, use "figures (representations)."
Christianity
Refers to the world religion and culture that developed in the first century CE, driven by the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Its roots are in the Judaic tradition and the Old Testament. The tenets include a belief in the death and redemptive resurrection of Jesus. The religion incorporates a tradition of faith, ritual, and a form of church authority or leadership.
Refers to the world religion and culture that developed in the first century CE, driven by the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Its roots are in the Judaic tradition and the Old Testament. The tenets include a belief in the death and redemptive resurrection of Jesus. The religion incorporates a tradition of faith, ritual, and a form of church authority or leadership.
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Portfolio List
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