Hiram Powers, The Infant Nero, modeled 1843, plaster, 19 3⁄4 x 12 1⁄4 x 8 1⁄8 in. (50.2 x 31.0 x 20.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson, 1968.155.92
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Artwork Details
- Title
- The Infant Nero
- Artist
- Date
- modeled 1843
- Location
- Dimensions
- 19 3⁄4 x 12 1⁄4 x 8 1⁄8 in. (50.2 x 31.0 x 20.7 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- plaster
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Study — sculpture model
- Dress — historic — classical dress
- Portrait male — Nero — bust
- Portrait male — Nero — child
- Object Number
- 1968.155.92
Artwork Description
This portrait was commissioned as a “copy of the infant Nero” by an Englishman named C. Noel Welman. In contrast to many of his ideal sculptures, Hiram Powers modeled this piece to resemble the realistic style of Roman portraiture. Welman asked for a bust with no drapery, but evidently Powers ignored this request and the young child is shown with a Greek himation, or cloak, covering his shoulders.
