There is always an eagle. Always and everywhere, we humans regard this creature with awe. Its resplendence, its fearsomeness, the fact that it flies higher than any other bird, the fact that no predator can touch it: how could we not associate it with divinity? But there is more in this sculpture than a caricature of power with a piercing cry and mightily spread wings. Here, the expressiveness of the creature’s face and the overall stillness speak to something close to tenderness. You can feel the artist’s hands, his attention and love of touch, in the bird’s calm, solid mass.

To receive a weekly summary of the MFAH 100 series rather than a daily email, please subscribe on my Substack blog The Impatient Reader.