THE ANIMALISTIC GENRE IN SCULPTURE: FROM LIFE OBSERVATION TO ARTISTIC IMAGE

Abstract

This article examines the animalistic genre in the context of the history of visual art and the specifics of its realization in sculpture. It traces the origins of animal representation from prehistoric art to contemporary forms. The study outlines the stages of creating an animalistic composition, emphasizing the importance of life observation, anatomical knowledge, and imaginative-stylistic approaches. Particular attention is given to the artistic concept, graphic preparation, and selection of materials. The article also analyzes the functional differences between realistic, decorative, and monumental sculptures. The following methods were used in the research: the historical-contextual method – to study the development of the animalistic genre in the history of visual art, particularly in sculpture; the comparative-analytical method – to identify specific features of representing zoomorphic images in various stylistic and functional sculptural forms (realistic, decorative, monumental); the method of life observation – to investigate the anatomical and plastic characteristics of animals as artistic subjects; visual-plastic analysis – to assess the graphic and sculptural stages of composition creation; and the artistic modeling method – to explore the creative process of forming a sculptural image through sketching, stylization, and form generalization. Scientific novelty. The article offers a comprehensive analysis of the animalistic genre in sculpture, focusing on the integration of life observation, anatomical study, and imaginative-stylistic search by the artist. A systematic model of the stages involved in creating an animalistic sculptural composition is proposed for the first time, encompassing practical observation, graphic preparation, the formation of the artistic concept, and the selection of materials according to the specifics of the image. The article reveals the expressive and functional differences between easel, decorative, and monumental forms within the genre. Scientific novelty also lies in defining animalistic art as a unique synthesis of scientific knowledge of the living world and artistic interpretation, which holds significant relevance for contemporary art education and practice. Conclusions. Animalistic sculpture is the result not only of technical mastery but also of a deep understanding of nature, animal behavior, and plasticity. The creation of an animalistic sculptural composition involves several sequential stages: life observation, anatomical study, execution of graphic sketches and drafts, and realization of the image in material. The specificity of the model – the animal, which cannot pose – makes life observation particularly valuable. A successful composition combines realism and artistic expressiveness, and may be decorative or monumental, depending on the author’s intent. The choice of material, the artist’s imagination, and a profound emotional perception of the subject are of vital importance. Animalistic art remains a unique and relevant genre in contemporary visual art, merging scientific insight with artistic thinking and retaining a strong potential for further development