Hiram Powers with Greek Slave
SOLD November 2014 |
CDV-format albumen print circa 1865 showing the American sculptor Hiram Powers with a bust from his famous "Greek Slave". Taken by Power's son, the photographer and sculptor Longworth Powers. With photographer's imprint on reverse reading "L. Powers. / 103 via dei Serragli / Florence." and an old inscription in pencil "Hiram Powers with bust of 'Greek Slave'".
The sculptor Hiram Powers (1805-1873) moved to Florence in 1837, in the 1840s creating his famous sculpture The Greek Slave, which became an international sensation in part due to its connection the the slavery question. One of his sons, Longworth Powers, opened a successful photographic studio in Florence sometime after 1860, offering patrons "Photographie Americaine." Like his father, Longworth also had ability as sculptor and created a number of works in marble.
Image generally strong, with some fading of contrast in highlights, speckling in backdrop.
