The Greek Slave
AttributionAfter
Hiram Powers
(American, 1805-1873)
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1850
MediumParian porcelain
DimensionsOverall: 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.75.6
Not on view
DescriptionNude woman with her right hand resting on a cloth-covered support and standing on a round plinth. Her arms are joined by a chain. Similar to the "Greek Slave" with slight differences produced by Minton and Company.Label TextWilliam Beattie Scottish, ca. 1802–1867 The Finding of Moses, ca. 1855 Parian porcelain by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Ltd., Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.3275 After Hiram Powers American, 1805–1873 The Greek Slave, ca. 1850 Parian porcelain, probably manufactured in Staffordshire, England Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.75.6 Although the glittery surface of these statuettes resembles marble, they are actually made of less-expensive Parian porcelain, a material invented in the 1840s. Manufactured by England’s leading pottery companies, porcelain figurines became popular parlor décor on both sides of the Atlantic. Some firms commissioned artists to produce original designs, while others issued copies of famous statues, like the miniature version of Hiram Powers’ Greek Slave seen here. Subjects referring to slavery in the Mediterranean and ancient worlds often appealed to abolitionists by blending artistic and political values.