Agnes Maxwell Kearny (Mrs. Philip Kearny) 1854

Joel T. Hart sculpted this marble bust of Agnes Maxwell Kearny, capturing her likeness with a neoclassical sensibility. The cool, smooth texture of the marble lends a sense of serenity to the figure. The even light across the sculpture emphasizes its curves and folds, drawing us into its three-dimensional presence. Hart's use of drapery, loosely gathered around Kearny's shoulders, creates a play of light and shadow that animates the otherwise still form. The folds of the fabric, deeply carved, contrast with the smooth planes of her face, highlighting her composed expression. The sculpture’s formal qualities – the balance of textures, the play of light, and the controlled composition – speak to the broader cultural values of the time. Notice the gentle turn of her head, a subtle gesture that breaks the symmetry and gives the bust a dynamic quality. It's in these small details that the sculpture transcends mere representation and becomes a study in form, texture, and the silent language of marble. This classical form invites ongoing interpretation and re-evaluation.