Bust of California
Artist
Hiram Powers
(American, 1805-1873)
CultureAmerican
Datemodeled ca. 1860, carved ca. 1865–66
MediumMarble
DimensionsOverall: 27 x 17 3/4 x 13 in. (68.6 x 45.1 x 33 cm)
Credit LineGift of James H. Ricau and Museum purchase
Object number86.504
Not on view
DescriptionMarble sculpture bust of California, a woman with both breasts exposed.Label TextHiram Powers American, 1805–1873 Bust of America, modeled ca. 1850–54 Marble Bust of California, modeled ca. 1860, carved ca. 1865–66 Marble Hiram Powers invented goddesses for the New World with statues like America and California. Clues to these figures’ identities include the 13 stars in America’s crown—one for each original colony—and California’s almond-shaped eyes and long hair, which were meant to suggest Native American ancestry. Such works appealed to patriotic private collectors. They also brought Powers to the attention of government agencies looking for sculpture to decorate Washington, D.C., and state capitol buildings that were being constructed across the nation during the heyday of Westward Expansion. Gift of James H. Ricau and Museum purchase 86.509 and 86.504 Exhibition History"The Ricau Collection," The Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, Va., February 26 - April 23, 1989. "Reopening of the Joan P. Brock Galleries," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va., Opening in March of 2008.
