- Created by
- Fuller, Meta Vaux Warrick, American, 1877 - 1968
- Date
- ca. 1899
- Medium
- paint on plaster
- Dimensions
- 19 1/2 × 8 5/8 × 7 5/8 in. (49.5 × 21.9 × 19.4 cm)
- Caption
- Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller was part of the second generation of 19th-century American women sculptors. Taking advantage of new opportunities afforded to women seeking a career in sculpture, Fuller studied at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art and moved to Paris in 1899 to attend the Académie Colarossi. While there, Fuller was profoundly inspired by Auguste Rodin; she viewed his work in Paris and later met him and toured his studio at the Villa des Brillants.
- The expressive surface modeling of the portrait John the Baptist reveals Rodin’s influence. In 1902 L’Art Nouveau, a Parisian avant-garde gallery, mounted a solo exhibition of 22 of Fuller’s small sculptures. John the Baptist was among the featured works.
- Description
- A painted plaster sculpture bust of John the Baptist. The head is turned slightly to the left, with closely cropped hair. The face is alert, with raised chin and open eyes. There is a tall integrated mount and base extending from the bust. It features an oval roundel inscribed with the name "John." The sculpture is painted a light beige.
- Classification
- Visual Arts
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Fuller Family
- Object number
- 2013.242.2
- Restrictions & Rights
- Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller
- Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




