Object Details
Artist
Hiram Powers, born Woodstock, VT 1805-died Florence, Italy 1873
Sitter
Nero
Nero
Luce Center Label
This portrait was commissioned as a “copy of the infant Nero” by an Englishman named C. Noel Welman. In contrast to many of his ideal sculptures, Hiram Powers modeled this piece to resemble the realistic style of Roman portraiture. Welman asked for a bust with no drapery, but evidently Powers ignored this request and the young child is shown with a Greek himation, or cloak, covering his shoulders.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson
Date
modeled 1843
Object number
1968.155.92
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
Sculpture
Medium
plaster
Dimensions
19 3/4 x 12 1/4 x 8 1/8 in. (50.2 x 31.0 x 20.7 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 17B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Dress\historic\classical dress
Study\sculpture model
Portrait male\bust
Portrait male\child
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1968.155.92