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Moses (after Michelangelo)

Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery

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Object Details

Artist
Edmonia Lewis, born Greenbush (now Rensselaer), NY 1844-died London, England 1907
Copy after
Michelangelo, Italian, born Caprese, Italy 1475-died Rome, Italy 1564
Luce Center Label
Edmonia Lewis developed her skills in Rome by copying classical sculptures. These copies would often be sold to American tourists, providing a much-needed source of income. The original sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo, completed around 1515, stands in the tomb of Pope Julius II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. To a black female sculptor, the opportunity to emulate such an exalted artist’s work must have meant a great deal. The figure of Moses himself may also have been an inspiration. By rescuing the Israelites from Egypt, Moses exemplified the desire for freedom felt by many blacks during the nineteenth century.
Luce Object Quote
“I thought I knew everything when I came to Rome, but I soon found I had everything to learn.” Edmonia Lewis, quoted in Romare Bearden, A History of African-American Artists, 1993
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred T. Morris, Jr.
1875
Object number
1984.149.1
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
Sculpture
Medium
marble
Dimensions
26 3/4 x 11 1/2 x 13 5/8 in. (68.0 x 29.2 x 34.6 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, 19B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Religion\Old Testament\Moses
Record ID
saam_1984.149.1
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk7365e823a-88fc-4344-a066-b2d76a9641b3

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  • Edmonia Lewis

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