Unknown Marquesas Islands artist, Model Leg, about 1860. Wood; 22-5/8 x 6 x 7-3/4 in. Denver Art Museum; purchased from the Carlebach Gallery, New York, 1948.795.
The Den U.: In which we fashion teach-yourself-a-thing “classes” from local resources.
Course title: Oceanic Arts in a Landlocked City
Description: Learn how the art and culture of the vast island chains of the South Pacific helped shape the vision of art 7,000 miles away in Denver.
is the latest addition to Denver Art Museum’s collection of a dozen budget-friendly to its vast collections. The books expand on the minimal information provided next to the art itself, and make a decent substitute for visiting the museum in person if that’s for some reason out of the question.
You may know that the world’s most elaborate body tattoos are found in the Marquesas, where men historically were nearly completely covered by geometric or curving lines. But this model leg, made around 1860 by an unknown artist, shows that tattoo artists didn’t limit themselves to skin. This decorative table leg is so rare that it’s one of only 13 known in existence — and while it’s a model, not a prosthetic, it certainly suggests that tattoos aren’t limited to living flesh.
Department: Study Abroad At Home
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