Ideal Christ

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
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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.

Works by this artist (1036 items)

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William H. Johnson, Breakdown with Flat Tire, ca. 1940-1941, oil on plywood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.587
Breakdown with Flat Tire
Artist
Dateca. 1940-1941
oil on plywood
On view
William H. Johnson, Chain Gang, ca. 1939, oil on plywood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.675
Chain Gang
Artist
Dateca. 1939
oil on plywood
On view
William H. Johnson, Ferry Boat Trip, ca. 1943-1944, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.1011
Ferry Boat Trip
Artist
Dateca. 1943-1944
oil on paperboard
On view
William H. Johnson, Young Pastry Cook, ca. 1928-1930, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.693
Young Pastry Cook
Artist
Dateca. 1928-1930
oil on canvas
On view

More Artworks from the Collection

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William H. Johnson, Portrait of a Woman in Profile, ca. 1944, recto: pen and ink and pencil on paper verso: pen and ink on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.485R-V
Portrait of a Woman in Profile
Artist
Dateca. 1944
recto: pen and ink and pencil on paper verso: pen and ink on paper
Not on view
Joseph Cornell, On the Name of Susan, 1971, collage with ink, paint and pencil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, 1991.155.331
On the Name of Susan
Artist
Date1971
collage with ink, paint and pencil on paperboard
Not on view
William H. Johnson, Breakdown Scene, ca. 1940-1941, pen and ink with pencil or carbon transfer on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.483
Breakdown Scene
Artist
Dateca. 1940-1941
pen and ink with pencil or carbon transfer on paper
Not on view
William H. Johnson, Two Portrait Heads of a Woman, ca. 1930-1935, pen and ink and pencil on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.395
Two Portrait Heads of a Woman
Artist
Dateca. 1930-1935
pen and ink and pencil on paper
Not on view