The North Carolina Museum of Art is temporarily hosting ten sculptures by French artist Rodin after Iris Cantor, of the Cantor Foundation, offered to lend them out.
The sculptures were originally housed in Cantor’s previous residence but could not fit into her new residence. When she found out space was an issue, she offered to loan the sculptures to the art museum.
Prior to lending out the Rodin sculptures, the Cantor Foundation had made a generous donation to the museum that included 29 Rodin pieces.
“Since she was so very happy about the way we had set up the previous sculptures, she offered to lend us the ones she couldn’t fit in her house,” David Steel, a curator for the museum, said.
The ten sculptures that are being lent are related to other Rodin pieces the museum already has on display, Steel said. Eight of the sculptures will be displayed inside and two of them will be on display in an outdoor garden.
“They look good in the new building because they’re lit by the sun and that’s what Rodin wanted people to see, so that’s how they’re being shown,” Steel said.
Though the lending is currently only set to last six months for two pieces and one year for the other eight, Steel said he hopes those dates will be changed.
“It’s a not-so-secret wish of mine that she’ll like how they’re installed so much that she lets us keep them,” Steel said.
The museum receives loaned items from people on a fairly regular basis, but this is the biggest one they have ever had according to Maggie Gregory, chief registrar at the museum.
“It’s unusual in the volume and the quality of the art,” Gregory said.
Steel is hoping to receive further donations of this caliber in the future. He said the museum is always open to new pieces and makes sure to take great care of those they have.
“I’m hoping that Mrs. Cantor’s generosity will inspire more people to donate in the future,” Steel said.
Including the loaned items, the museum will have 39 Rodin sculptures on site. They are excited to feature such a prominent artist, according to Steel.
“He’s an interesting, creative and innovative artist,” Gregory said.
The sculptures go on display Friday for the first time. Steel said the museum is very excited to have everything open and officially available to the public.
“Art is the doorway into human condition and human creativity. People in North Carolina are fortunate to have such a fabulous collection, and it’s free for them to see at any time,” Steel said.
Marcelo Alvarado, a junior in mechanical engineering, said having constant updates in the museum is something he appreciates as a visitor.
“It keeps everything fresh for people that live around here. It’s cool to see new stuff every time you go,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado said that he enjoys visiting the museum to get away from campus when he needs a change of scenery.
“It’s a good way to escape campus. It’s really peaceful and pretty — great way to get outside with all your friends and just chill on a sunny day,” Alvarado said.
