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
Type
sculpture
portraits
Topic
Art
Christianity
Religion
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.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5396baf38-1657-48ff-ab6f-edef21518e74

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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