Josephine Shaw Lowell 1899 - 1901

Augustus Saint-Gaudens created this marble relief of Josephine Shaw Lowell in the late nineteenth century. Notice how the smooth, pale surface of the marble gives the portrait a sense of classical serenity. The profile, precise and delicate, emerges through subtle gradations of depth and light. The composition is divided into three horizontal registers, framing the bust of Lowell and a panel with the date, 1899, inscribed in Roman numerals. The flat planes give way to intricately carved details in the lace trim of her dress and the soft curves of her hairstyle. The use of marble as a medium evokes classical sculpture, while the relief format flattens the three-dimensional space into a more pictorial plane. This push and pull between sculpture and painting reflects broader artistic concerns of the period, such as exploring the boundaries between different modes of representation. The artist uses the material properties of marble to create a contemplative, powerful image.