Luitenant-generaal A. Kool 1909

This bronze medal of Luitenant-generaal A. Kool, a portrait and text rendered in bas relief, was made by Pier Pander. The material—solid, hefty, and cold to the touch—gives it a sense of permanence. Pander pays close attention to the contours of Kool’s face, creating a strong profile with deep shadows and highlights to create the impression of depth. The crispness of the lettering is an interesting counterpoint to the soft modeling of the face. There's something about the way the surface is burnished, almost polished, which brings to mind the work of Medardo Rosso, who was playing around with wax sculptures and photography around the same time, trying to capture fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Both artists were interested in capturing the ephemeral nature of experience. Ultimately, this piece reminds me that art is an ongoing conversation.