Standbeeld van de ontroostbare naar L. Bartolini 1851 - 1900

B. F. Rives created this photographic reproduction of Lorenzo Bartolini's sculpture, 'The Untroubled', sometime in the nineteenth century. Bartolini's sculpture presents a veiled woman in a seated posture, embodying grief and contemplation. The sculpture itself and this image of it speak to the cultural values of 19th-century Europe, particularly its idealization of feminine virtue and emotional sensitivity. Italy, where Bartolini worked, was undergoing significant political and social upheaval during this period. These social conditions shaped artistic production, with many artists exploring themes of national identity, heroism, and mourning. Furthermore, the existence of institutions such as museums and academies influenced the type of art that was made and valorized. Photography played a role in the dissemination and popularization of art. By studying archival materials we can examine the social and institutional forces that shaped this artwork and understand how it reflects the values and concerns of its time.