Artwork and Artist
'Brother and Sister', 1898 by Julien Dillens
This artwork can be found in GALLERY 18: People and Portraits in Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Summary
We are family
Sculpture is art in three dimensions. It can be made of stone, wood or clay or any material the artist wants to use. This sculpture is made of bronze, which is a metal made of copper and tin.
It was created over 100 years ago by a famous artist from Belgium called Julien Dillens. He wanted his artwork to show the two figures being very natural in their poses. The joy in the girls face as she hugs her brother is very clear, while he appears to happily tolerate his sister’s affection.
Look and See
One way to tell how long ago an artwork was created is by looking at the people in it. Sometimes we can place them in a specific historical period by the clothes they are wearing. We do not learn a lot about this brother and sister from their clothes, but the girl does have an old-fashioned hairstyle. Can you spot the bow in her hair?
Discuss
Family members do not always get along. At this time, while we all have to stay at home, you might be having more disagreements than normal with your mum and dad, or brother and sister. It is important to always make up and not stay angry for long.
Did you know?
There is another artwork in Aberdeen Art Gallery called Brother and Sister? It is a painting by an artist called Joan Eardley and is displayed in the same room as this sculpture.
Activity
Make your own version of this artwork. You can simply take a photo of you hugging someone you love – even a pet!
If you have plasticine or clay at home, you can make a sculpture of two people hugging.
If you want to learn how to draw two people hugging here is a useful guide.
