Bather

Copied Joseph E. Renier, Bather, n.d., marble, 39 141421 78 in. (99.835.555.7 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Renier, 1967.93.80

Artwork Details

Title
Bather
Date
n.d.
Dimensions
39 141421 78 in. (99.835.555.7 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Renier
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure female — nude
  • Recreation — sport and play — swimming
Object Number
1967.93.80

Artwork Description

In a 1967 letter, Curator of Painting and Sculpture Dr. Richard P. Wunder at the National Collection of Fine Arts (now the Smithsonian American Art Museum) wrote that Joseph Renier's Bather is "the most significant marble work by Mr. Renier that we could ever hope to acquire." (SAAM Curatorial File) In the sculpture, Renier captured a young woman during a private moment of leisure, her serene expression and relaxed body suggesting she is completely unaware of her surroundings.