Lot 452: Edmonia Lewis (American, 1845-1911) Large Marble Figure of an Allegorical Maiden, Spring, the standing figure wearing classical dress,

Edmonia Lewis (American, 1845-1911)

Large Marble Figure of an Allegorical Maiden, Spring, the standing figure wearing classical dress, with gauzy scarf covering head and face, and clutched in one hand at her chin, the other hand holding a rose, on round, naturalistic base, incised at edge with signature and title, and dated 1880, ht. 34 1/2 in.

Note: Edmonia Lewis, also known as Wildfire Lewis, was the daughter of an African American father and a Chippewa mother. She studied for a time in Boston, and then traveled to Rome where she joined the women's classical sculpture group known as the White Marmorean Flock. Lewis's works include scenes of American Indians, as well as depictions of freedom from slavery. She is regarded as one of the first African American female sculptors to gain international fame.