Fisher Boy

Hiram Powers

1841–44; carved 1857 · Marble · The American Wing

Powers modeled this sculpture in Florence, Italy, where he earned an international reputation for his idealized subjects. In calling his only male nude "a kind of Appollino," he referred to ancient Greek depictions of the god Apollo as the epitome of youth. However, the longtime expatriate sculptor insisted on presenting a modern subject: a young fisherman uses a conch shell to listen for warnings of inclement weather, with net and tiller at his side. Powers skillfully developed an enthusiastic American patronage base. New York politician Hamilton Fish purchased seven works from the artist, including, while in Florence, this Fisher Boy carving.

Artist

Hiram Powers

Date

1841–44; carved 1857

Medium

Marble

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Bequest of Hamilton Fish, 1894