Mary Edmonia Lewis (ca. July 4, 1845 – ca. 1911) was the first African American and Native American woman to gain fame and recognition as a sculptor in the international fine arts world. She was of African American, Haitian and Ojibwe descent.
A major coup in her career was participating in the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. For this, she created a monumental 3,015-pound marble sculpture, The Death of Cleopatra, which dramatically portrayed the queen in the throes of death. Of the piece, J. S. Ingraham wrote that Cleopatra was “the most remarkable piece of sculpture in the American section” of the Exposition. Much of the viewing public was shocked by Lewis’ frank portrayal of death, but the statue drew thousands of viewers. After being placed in storage, the statue was lost. After 120 years, it was discovered in a Sotheby’s auction. After authentication, it was donated to the Smithsonian American Art Museum. (source: Wikipedia)
For an in-depth article about Ms. Lewis’ dramatic life and art, read “The Object at Hand” on Smithsonian.com
- The Death of Cleopatra (close up), marble, 1867, collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
3 Comments
I can’t wait to find out about Mary E. Lewis. Seems a great mystery will be unfolding…what an amazingly talented woman.
You’re welcome, Linda! I just stumbled across her in my research and was intrigued. What a journey she went through as well!
Jennifer this is a fascinating story – I really liked reading “The Object At Hand”. This sculpture has been through so many hands, what a journey. Am glad it was recovered. Mary E. Lewis is a mysterious character for sure, I want to learn more about her. Thank you for this post today!