Edmonia Lewis developed her skills in Rome by copying classical sculptures. These copies would often be sold to American tourists, providing a much-needed source of income. The original sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo, completed around 1515, stands in the tomb of Pope Julius II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The artwork, titled “Moses (after Michelangelo),” was created by the artist Edmonia Lewis in 1875. Executed in marble, this sculpture embodies the Neoclassical art movement and is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, US.

Lewis copied Moses after a sculpture Michelangelo completed around 1515 for the tomb of Pope Julius II in St. Peter’s Basilica. The subject of Moses, who led the Israelites out of oppression,...

Edmonia Lewis developed her skills in Rome by copying classical sculptures. These copies would often be sold to American tourists, providing a much-needed source of income. The original sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo, completed around 1515, stands in the tomb of Pope Julius II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

For Lewis, Moses's role in leading the Israelites out of captivity would probably have had greater significance, expressing "the desire for freedom felt by many blacks during the nineteenth century" (museum's comment).

Title: Moses (after Michelangelo) Creator: Edmonia Lewis; Date Created: 1875; Physical Dimensions: 26 3/4 x 11 1/2 x 13 5/8 in. (68.0 x 29.2 x 34.6 cm.) Medium: Marble; Credit Line: Smithsonian...

Feb 10, 2021 · In an age when the European art establishment viewed American artists as inherently less skilled, Ms. Lev notes that Edmonia Lewis did not hesitate to create reproductions of Michelangelo’s work. “She makes a lot of copies of Michelangelo, was not afraid to get in the ring with Michelangelo.

Edmonia Lewis developed her skills in Rome by copying classical sculptures. These copies would often be sold to American tourists, providing a much-needed source of income. The original sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo, completed around 1515, stands in the tomb of Pope Julius II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Jun 18, 2013 · For example, the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection includes a work by Edmonia Lewis titled Moses (after Michelangelo). Lewis carved this sculpture, but the subject and composition are based on Michelangelo's sculpture of the same name.

Jun 11, 2022 · While there have been many talented female sculptors throughout history, there was one who broke the stereotypical expectations of both gender and race at a time when America was very much at war with itself. Her name was Edmonia Lewis. This article appears in its entirety at the The Grunge website. It can be read here.