Diana c. 1852 - 1853

Hiram Powers carved this bust of Diana in the nineteenth century from white marble. The stone's smooth, cool surface lends a classical grace to Diana, goddess of the hunt. Powers skillfully shaped the hard marble to evoke soft skin and flowing drapery. Look closely, and you can imagine the sculptor using chisels and rasps to gradually reveal the form hidden within the stone. The process of carving marble is laborious, requiring both physical strength and artistic sensitivity. Powers, like many sculptors of his time, relied on skilled Italian artisans to execute his designs. This division of labor, while common, raises questions about authorship and the value of artistic skill. Was Powers the sole creator, or were his assistants also artists in their own right? By considering the materials, the making process, and the social context, we can appreciate the full complexity of this seemingly simple sculpture, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.