Bernini, Bernini, Bernini

I was immediately captivated by this sculpture when I walked by it at the Kimball Art Museum in Fort Worth, Tx.  . 

He's quite the looker, isn't he?  If he was in the model-spoof movie Zoolander this expression would be called Smug Indignation.  That just seemed to pop in my head but it seems to fit the face below, too.

Or maybe it's the original duck face?

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Image courtesy of Google image search.

It is called Modello for the Fountain of the Moors and it is by Bernini.  The expression on the man’s face is something between anguish, fear and confidence… a combination not seen very often!  I don’t really know how else to describe it other than intriguing.  This is probably why I had to stop right there and sketch it.  I used a Venetian Red AquaTone (water-soluble) pencil by Derwent. 

Again I was surprised by the hospitality down south when the security guard offered me a stool to sit on while I sketched!  I am so used to being told off by security guards up north… usually to stand further away from the paintings or to be ushered out ten minutes before closing time.  I politely declined.  I didn’t want to get use to that kind of treatment!

Above is the museum tag for more information.  Below is a picture of the actual fountain in Rome.

"Fontana del Moro Roma" by Jensens - Own work. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons - 


Where did the origins of the ubiquitous duck face come from and why do (young) females think it makes them look attractive?