Paul Claudel c. 1955 - 1957

Curator: This is "Paul Claudel," a bronze sculpture by Ivor Roberts-Jones. It’s currently held in the Tate Collections. Editor: The rough texture gives the portrait a sense of gravity, almost like a death mask. The gaze feels heavy with experience. Curator: Ivor Roberts-Jones was known for his public sculptures, and this portrait might reflect the societal perception of Claudel, who was a very prominent playwright and poet. Editor: The sculpture shows an interesting contrast between the roughly formed face and the smooth, slender support, almost as if the face is floating, disconnected. Curator: Roberts-Jones' focus on the head allows us to see a very specific psychological portrait, one perhaps influenced by Claudel's own writings and cultural standing. Editor: I suppose looking at it again, there is a quiet dignity there, too, a kind of enduring strength despite the weight of the expression. Curator: It certainly gives you a sense of the weight of history, both personal and public, that Claudel carried. Editor: I'm glad we got to look closely; there's more to see than meets the eye at first glance.