Whispering Zephyr

Mogens Balle

MEDIUMMarble
DIMENSIONSDiam.: 50.8 cm (20 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONArts of the Americas
CULTUREUnited States
CREDIT LINERoger McCormick Fund

Stop to appreciate how "Whispering Zephyr" transforms solid marble into a visual representation of an invisible force. Its undulating surface and subtle play of light create a mesmerizing sense of movement and fluidity.

Get the full experience in Art Whisper
Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store
ABOUT THIS WORK

A mesmerizing swirl of polished stone, "Whispering Zephyr" captures the essence of movement in solid marble. This circular sculpture, with its undulating surface, invites close inspection, revealing how light plays across its curves and depressions. The artist, Mogens Balle, worked with a medium often associated with classical forms, yet here he pushes it into the realm of the abstract. The title itself suggests the invisible force of wind, made tangible through the subtle shifts in the marble's texture and the way its forms seem to ripple outwards from a central point. It is a quiet yet dynamic piece, transforming a weighty material into something that feels almost ethereal, like a momentary gust caught in stone. The work's creation between 1881 and 1885 suggests an artist exploring new sculptural language in the late 19th century.

ART MOVEMENTS
CoBrA
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

Observe the subtle variations in the marble's color and veining.

2

Notice how the polished surface reflects ambient light, creating highlights.

3

Trace the concentric ripples that seem to expand from the sculpture's center.

2 more details waiting — unlock in Art Whisper
Audio Deep Dive

Stop to appreciate how "Whispering Zephyr" transforms solid marble into a visual representation of an invisible force. Its undulating surface and subtle play o…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
Mogens Balle 1921–1988 · Kingdom of Denmark

Mogens Balle, a Danish painter, created vibrant, abstract works, often exploring the spontaneous and experimental.

Read Mogens's full story in Art Whisper
See something wrong?
Open the App