Hiawatha's Marriage
Artist
Edmonia Lewis
(American, c. 1845 - 1907)
Date1874
Mediumwhite marble
Dimensions32 1/4 x 15 x 10 1/2 inches (81.9 x 38.1 x 26.7 cm)
Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2009
Object number2009.3.1
ClassificationsSculptures
Label TextLewis’s heritage affected her choice of subjects and their meaning. The sculptor was part African American. She was also part Ojibwe Indian, which influenced this sculpture. The subject comes from the poem The Song of Hiawatha. The poem drew upon Ojibwe stories and history, even though it was written by a white poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Lewis chose to depict the marriage of Hiawatha and Minnehaha, two Indians from different groups. She carved the couple stepping forward, with hands clasped. The artist presents a positive portrayal of these Indian people, united in love and happiness.
ProvenanceUnknown gallery, Jacksonville, Illinois; acquired c.1960 by an unknown owner; purchased June 26, 2009 through (Sotheby's, New York, New York) with (Joel Rosenkranz, Connor-Rosenkranz, New York, New York) as agent by Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation [1]; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art
| 1. Sotheby's, American Paintings, Drawings & Sculpture, New York, May 21, 2009, 10:00am, Lot 32
On View
On view
Antonio Vanetti
Antonia Canova