‘A Healthy Bath of Exquisite Beauty’: An Interview With Michael Curtis

‘A Healthy Bath of Exquisite Beauty’: An Interview With Michael Curtis
"The History of Texas" reliefs surround the Texas Rangers Baseball Park; over 100 figures, 100 animals, and faithfully reproduced buildings were sculpted in three months. Courtesy of Michael Curtis
Evan Mantyk
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A classical architect, sculptor, painter, and poet, Michael Curtis is, in no uncertain terms, a Renaissance man. He has taught and lectured at universities, colleges, and museums, including the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and the National Gallery of Art.

His paintings and statues are housed in over 400 private and public collections, including the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. Perhaps his most interesting recent endeavor has been as lead designer for the 58-square-mile mega resort AEGEA, to be built in North Palm Beach, Florida.

What does this fount of classical aesthetic wisdom have to say for himself? I just had to find out.

Evan Mantyk: In addition to being a classical poet, you have a deep background in classical arts, such as architecture, sculpture, and engraving. In a world seemingly awash in modern arts, what is the value of traditional poetry and art?

Michael Curtis. (Courtesy of Michael Curtis)
Michael Curtis. Courtesy of Michael Curtis
Evan Mantyk
Evan Mantyk
Author
Evan Mantyk is an English teacher in New York and President of the Society of Classical Poets.