Lachaise's Peacock Columns at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Restoration of Lachaise's Peacock Columns: Museum's Article with Video

Garden Centennial Brings Back Lost Elements: Museum's Article with Video

PANEL DISCUSSION

Preserving the Past: the Legacy of Gaston Lachaise at Vizcaya
November 20, 2024
12:00-1:00pm, via Zoom

Panel Recording on Youtube (1 hour, 5 minutes)

As part of their 100-year-celebration, Vizcaya has brought back Lachaise's stone peacocks to the Marine Garden. Learn more from this panel with Helena Gomez and Kelly Ciociola, and Paula Hornbostel, who will discuss these magnificent birds, originally commissioned by James Deering, advised by Ogden Codman and Paul Chalfin, and how the original models helped with the excellent result.

Event Introduction & Invitation, from The Daily Sentinel

James Deering, Vizcaya's original owner, commissioned a series of contemporary works for his winter home in Miami. Among them were a set of peacock statues by Gaston Lachaise (1882–1935) that adorned the Marine Garden and have not been seen in the space for than 30 years.

In celebration of their return, join us for a Zoom panel discussion on Lachaise's work, one of the 20th century's most innovative sculptors. Known for his groundbreaking depictions of the human form, Lachaise’s bold, works celebrate strength, vitality, and movement. His artistic vision is immortalized in Vizcaya’s Marine Garden, where his peacock sculptures bring whimsy and life adding to the estate’s grandeur.

This exclusive free virtual program offers a rare opportunity to explore Lachaise’s enduring influence through the lens of art history, conservation, and innovation. Moderated by Davina Kuh Jakobi, Vizcaya’s Lead Conservator, the panel of distinguished experts will illuminate the artistic and technical mastery behind Lachaise’s work—and the modern efforts to preserve his legacy.

What You’ll Discover:

The Vision Behind the Marine Garden Sculptures
Join Helena Gomez, Vizcaya’s Curator, as she provide context on Gaston Lachaise’s sculpture commission for Vizcaya’s Marine Garden, highlighting the artistic vision behind this remarkable work.

Preserving the Past with Modern Technology
Hear from Kelly Ciociola, former Vizcaya Conservator, will discuss the technical challenges involved in replicating historic objects and demonstrate how modern technology can aid in preserving cultural heritage.

Lachaise’s Artistic Legacy and The Lachaise Foundation
Paula Hornbostel, Director and Trustee of The Lachaise Foundation, will explore the importance of Gaston Lachaise’s plaster models after the artist’s death and shed light on the ongoing efforts to honor his legacy through the Foundation’s initiatives.

This program promises to be a fascinating exploration of art, history, and preservation. Don’t miss it!
TICKETS: Free, Join us over Zoom. Please note that this will be a closed call and advance registration is requested.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami FL
Museum Site

Lachaise Foundation