Sculpture is often considered to be a monumental, public art form. But there is a long, parallel history of sculpture engendering intimate encounters: bronze statuettes seen in flickering candlelight, ivory bodies that warm to the touch, and aged surfaces that invite reverie. How can we explain our instinctual desire to connect with sculpture? This panel explores the peculiar properties of sculpted objects, and considers issues of tactility, scale, and viewing conditions, as well as the varying sensual environments of museum galleries and private interiors.