The Greek Slave
Artist: Hiram Powers (American, 1805-1873)
Date: after 1845
Dimensions:
Including Base: 27 1/2 × 21 × 10 in. (69.9 × 53.3 × 25.4 cm)
Medium: white marble
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Object number: 1917.128
Label Text:The full-size version of Hiram Powers’ Greek Slave was once the most famous American sculpture. It toured the country in 1847–48, during which it was seen by more than 100,000 paying people. Depicting a Greek maiden, nude, her hands chained, it became a symbol of moral (Christian) purity in the face of “barbarity” (represented by the Turkish Ottoman Empire). The image played on largely imagined (white) cultural fears, but despite the era in which it was produced, there was little commentary at the time linking it to the very real practice of chattel slavery of Black people in the United States.
The Greek Slave proved so popular that sculptor Hiram Powers, who worked in Italy, could hardly keep up with the demand for copies. Smaller tabletop versions were produced, as well as bust-length versions like the one in Toledo’s collection.
The Greek Slave proved so popular that sculptor Hiram Powers, who worked in Italy, could hardly keep up with the demand for copies. Smaller tabletop versions were produced, as well as bust-length versions like the one in Toledo’s collection.
On view
In Collection(s)