Hiram S. Powers (American, 1805–1873). <em>The Greek Slave</em>, 1866. Marble, Statue: 65 1/2 x 19 1/4 x 18 3/4 in. (166.4 x 48.9 x 47.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles F. Bound, 55.14. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 55.14_front_PS20.jpg)

Hiram S. Powers (American, 1805–1873). The Greek Slave, 1866. Marble, Statue: 65 1/2 x 19 1/4 x 18 3/4 in. (166.4 x 48.9 x 47.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles F. Bound, 55.14. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 55.14_front_PS20.jpg)

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Are these chains capable of moving?

I believe that they are attached very very very thinly to her thigh and to her wrists in such a way that they do not move, even when the conservators clean the piece.

What is this?

That sculpture was very famous in the United States in the mid-19th century. Powers worked in Florence and was very influenced by ancient Greek and Roman art, hence his use of white marble and his idealization of the human body. However, he was making reference to a more recent event: the Greek War of Independence against the Turks in the 1820s. This was a sympathetic treatment of the subject, at a time when it would have also been seen as a commentary on slavery in the United States. Make sure to walk around the sculpture -- it was meant to be viewed from every angle. The detailed carving of the fringed cloth is especially beautiful.

Did you have a question about the Greek slave? Or would you like some information?

I'm curious about the chains. They are different from the 1851 (?) version we have at Yale.

Interesting! I just looked up the one at Yale and I see what you mean, they are quite different. Our version here dates to 1869 and the Yale version certainly does date to 1851, you're correct. I think that because so many versions were created, whoever made subsequent copies seems to have taken liberties with certain details.

Can you tell me about this?

This was one of the most famous American sculptures of the mid-19th century! It was made to raise awareness of Greek women being enslaved during their War of Independence.

But the subject of slavery took on a deeper meaning here in America during the Civil War, a time when America was moving to abolish slavery.

The Greek Slave

Hiram S. Powers

American Art

On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts

Hiram Powers conceived the first version of this sculpture (completed 1841–47) out of sympathy for the Greek women enslaved during their war of independence with the Turks (1821–30). However, his subsequent versions (including this last of six) took on new meaning in the climate of the Civil War era. Viewers who saw the sculpture on public exhibition in the United States and Great Britain associated the figure with the violation of enslaved mulatto and black women in America.

ARTIST Hiram S. Powers, American, 1805–1873

MEDIUM Marble

DATES 1866

DIMENSIONS Statue: 65 1/2 x 19 1/4 x 18 3/4 in. (166.4 x 48.9 x 47.6 cm) Height of pedestal: 30 1/4 in. (76.8 cm) (show scale)

SIGNATURE Incised along edge of base behind post: "H POWERS / [in script] Sculp"

COLLECTIONS American Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 55.14

CREDIT LINE Gift of Charles F. Bound

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Life-size figure of idealized nude female standing in contrapposto pose on round base; head turned to left and slightly downward; hands bound together with chains with proper left hand over genitalia and proper right hand leaning on post draped with patterned cloth. Condition: Good.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts

CAPTION Hiram S. Powers (American, 1805–1873). The Greek Slave, 1866. Marble, Statue: 65 1/2 x 19 1/4 x 18 3/4 in. (166.4 x 48.9 x 47.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles F. Bound, 55.14. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 55.14_front_PS20.jpg)

IMAGE front, 55.14_front_PS20.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2024

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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