The Waters

Solon H. Borglum, The Waters, 1913-1914, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Monica B. Davies and Paul Borglum in memory of Mrs. M. Nash Bly, 1968.33
Copied Solon H. Borglum, The Waters, 1913-1914, bronze, 13 x 11 5⁄8 x 5 1⁄2 in. (33.0 x 29.6 x 14.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Monica B. Davies and Paul Borglum in memory of Mrs. M. Nash Bly, 1968.33
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
The Waters
Artist
Date
1913-1914
Location
Dimensions
13 x 11 5⁄8 x 5 1⁄2 in. (33.0 x 29.6 x 14.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Monica B. Davies and Paul Borglum in memory of Mrs. M. Nash Bly
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure female — nude
  • Figure female — full length
  • Allegory — element — water
Object Number
1968.33
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.33

Artwork Description

Solon Borglum’s The Waters, also called The Little Lady of the Dew, was displayed in a church courtyard where the nude figure caused a sensation. Many Americans of the time considered “unclothed” statues immoral, but Borglum felt that her nudity was natural and true, like the beautiful streams, rivers, and lakes that God created. The artist designed the piece so that the woman’s graceful gestures would echo the beauty of the water.