Edmonia Lewis
Forever Free, 1867 (Abolitionism)
Edmonia Lewis was an African-American sculptor born in 1844 in Greenbush, New York. She was the daughter of an Afro-Haitian father and a Chippewa Indian mother. Lewis was orphaned at a young age and was sent to live with her mother’s tribe, where she learned about her Native American heritage.
In 1859, Lewis attended Oberlin College in Ohio, becoming one of the first African-American women to attend a college in the United States. During her time at Oberlin, she developed an interest in sculpture and began creating her own works. After completing her studies at Oberlin, Lewis moved to Boston to pursue her career as a sculptor.
Lewis gained recognition for her sculptures depicting historical and biblical figures. Her most notable works include “The Death of Cleopatra,” “Hagar in the Wilderness,” and “Forever Free.” “The Death of Cleopatra” was her most famous sculpture, and it depicted the Egyptian queen in her final moments before her suicide.
She faced racism and discrimination throughout her career as an African-American woman in a climate where the art industry was predominantly white and male. Despite these challenges, she gained international acclaim and was admired by many for her artistic talent.
Lewis died in London in 1907 at the age of 63. While her work fell into obscurity for many years after her death, it has since been rediscovered and celebrated as a significant contribution to American sculpture.
More Answers:
Discovering the Colorful World of Childe Hassam: American Impressionist Artist and his Urban Landscapes and SeascapesDiscovering Thomas Moran: The Legendary American Painter Known for Depicting the American West
Winslow Homer: Depicting the Gritty Realism of American Life Through Iconic Paintings