The most famous American statue of the 19th century depicts a naked Greek slave. It was an innovative work of art that provoked reactions from the first moment, but in the end, it was much loved.
Hiram Powers is considered one of the greatest American sculptors of all time. Born in 1805, the American artist inscribed himself in the neoclassical school. He deeply admired Greco-Roman culture and drew inspiration from ancient sculptors. In fact, in 1837 he decided to move permanently to Florence.
At that time, the situation in post-revolutionary Greece was still turbulent and the bloody memories of the struggle were still fresh. Greek-Turkish conflicts had not ceased, while Greeks living in unredeemed territories suffered under the Turkish yoke. Powers had constantly followed the development of the Greek revolution through the news that reached his homeland. The heroic struggles of the Greeks had moved him, and this was a source of inspiration.
So close to Greek reality, in 1843 he began carving the statue that would go down in history as his most important work. The “Greek Slave” represents a naked young woman, with chains in her hands. Between her bonds she holds a small cross, while at the same time resting on a colonnade.
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