The Leg of a Woman Who has Slipped

Šarūnas Šimulynas (1939–1999) stands out as an exceptional figure in Lithuanian sculpture. Known for his solitary nature, Šimulynas often embarked on solitary journeys to remote and harsh places, such as the taiga. His work was profoundly influenced by a trip to Australia, and by his stay on the uninhabited St Bees Island, fulfilling a long-held dream. Despite his preference for solitude in real life, Šimulynas’ art reveals a deep interest in people. The human figure frequently appears in his work, characterised by elongated limbs and stylised forms with small heads, depicted in various poses, grappling, resting and waiting.

This sculpture, a part of a leg, has clear erotic undertones. This aspect perhaps displeased the sculptor’s wife, who urged him to sell it as quickly as possible. He complied at the first opportunity. However, after the sculpture left their home, the erotic leg reappeared in a drawing. The piece is imbued with mischievous irony, suggested by its title, The Leg of a Woman Who has Slipped, hinting at a tempted or fallen woman. Intriguingly, the leg ends in a hoof, and begins with a bunch of grapes and leaves, evoking Dionysian associations. This leads to the question: could it be the leg of a satyr that seduced a woman?

Text author Jurgita Ludavičienė

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album THE ART OF MATERIALS. Compiler and text author Jurgita Ludavičienė
© LATGA, Vilnius 2025

Šarūnas Šimulynas (1939–1999) stands out as an exceptional figure in Lithuanian sculpture. Known for his solitary nature, Šimulynas often embarked on solitary journeys to remote and harsh places, such as the taiga. His work was profoundly influenced by a trip to Australia, and by his stay on the uninhabited St Bees Island, fulfilling a long-held dream. Despite his preference for solitude in real life, Šimulynas’ art reveals a deep interest in people. The human figure frequently appears in his work, characterised by elongated limbs and stylised forms with small heads, depicted in various poses, grappling, resting and waiting.

This sculpture, a part of a leg, has clear erotic undertones. This aspect perhaps displeased the sculptor’s wife, who urged him to sell it as quickly as possible. He complied at the first opportunity. However, after the sculpture left their home, the erotic leg reappeared in a drawing. The piece is imbued with mischievous irony, suggested by its title, The Leg of a Woman Who has Slipped, hinting at a tempted or fallen woman. Intriguingly, the leg ends in a hoof, and begins with a bunch of grapes and leaves, evoking Dionysian associations. This leads to the question: could it be the leg of a satyr that seduced a woman?

Text author Jurgita Ludavičienė

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album THE ART OF MATERIALS. Compiler and text author Jurgita Ludavičienė
© LATGA, Vilnius 2025