Brother James Alfred Miller, FSC

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on October 10, 2021 at 3:04pm

Curator’ Comment:

 

This bronze bust came up randomly on the site today, and I was struck by its robust beauty. The slightly chiseled facial features are echoed in the angular folds of the subject’s shirt, giving the piece a mood of strength and stability.  At first viewing, I felt the musculature in the face and neck were also reminiscent of Russian Constructivist sculpture in the slightly idealized and heroic presentation.  However, Brother James Miller also bears a slightly downward gaze, rather than a romanticized and uplifted posture.  This visual contrast between strength and humility seems to fit the life of the man.  Looking through your other pieces on the site, I remember admiring your lush Mary Magdalene painting. While the painting depicted a well-recognized figure within the Biblical narrative rather than a contemporary religious figure, it similarly expressed the humanity or slightly contradictory nature of the saint. Wanting to know more about Brother James Miller, I read that his beatification was celebrated in 2018.