Artist

William Randolph Barbee

born Luray, VA 1818-died Luray, VA 1868
Also known as
  • William R. Barbee
Born
Luray, Virginia, United States
Died
Luray, Virginia, United States
Biography
William Randolph Barbee studied and practiced law, but his lifelong dream was to become a sculptor. By the 1850s, he had saved enough money to move to Italy and pursue his calling. Barbee worked in the neoclassical style, an approach inspired by the Greek and Roman works of antiquity. He enjoyed a successful debut in the United States when he returned from Italy in the late 1850s, receiving favorable reviews and attention for two sculptures, Coquette and Fisher Girl. Thereafter, Barbee worked in a studio in the basement of the U.S. Capitol building. Barbee's career suffered when the threat of civil war prompted government officials to withdraw plans for two important commissions. The war eventually forced Barbee to abandon his studio and tools and return to his home near Luray, Virginia.

Works by this artist (1036 items)

View all artworks
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