Ideal Christ

Copied Hiram Powers, Ideal Christ, modeled 1864, plaster, 26 5⁄8 x 23 1⁄4 x 13 7⁄8 in. (67.6 x 59.1 x 35.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson, 1968.155.79
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Ideal Christ
Artist
Date
modeled 1864
Location
Dimensions
26 5⁄8 x 23 1⁄4 x 13 7⁄8 in. (67.6 x 59.1 x 35.2 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
plaster
Classifications
Subjects
  • Religion — New Testament — Christ
  • Study — sculpture model
Object Number
1968.155.79
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.155.79

Artwork Description

This sculpture was probably inspired by a cast of an ivory crucifix that Hiram Powers kept on his studio wall. After he finished this plaster model of Ideal Christ, he received an order for a replica from William H. Aspinwall, who requested that slight changes be made to the figure’s mouth. He asked the artist to “diminish its fullness as to . . . make it harmonize with the . . . sorrowful serenity of the upper features.” Powers agreed to change the piece, but told Aspinwall that “the expression you have found in the mouth has not been accidental, but designed, and for myself I would not alter it.” This sculpture was not a popular choice for his patrons, and only two more replicas were carved from marble.