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Introduction:
Queen Zenobia ruled over an area of the Roman
Empire located in what is now Syria. Not content
with her lands, she conquered Egypt
and much of Asia
Minor before being defeated in 272 by the Roman
Emperor Aurelian, who forced her to march in chains through the
city of Rome.
When Harriet Hosmer sculpted the marble bust
at right, she said she wanted to show that Zenobia was "calm,
grand, and strong within herself."
An independent spirit herself, Hosmer was among the first American
female sculptors to work in marble. She was drawn toward female
subjects who, like her, challenged traditional ideas about the
roles that women can fulfill in life.
Discussion:
- Hosmer sculpted Zenobia wearing a toga, the most common garment
in ancient Rome. What else do you notice about the queen's
appearance that suggests royalty or strength?
- Although Zenobia is not bound in chains in this bust, emotion
is still apparent in her facial expression. What do you think
Zenobia's face suggests about her feelings?
- Although Hosmer's teacher John Gibson painted his statues,
Hosmer preferred to leave the stone exposed. Why do you think
so? Which would you prefer?
- Describe some women that you know personally, or know of,
who challenge traditional ideas about women's roles.
Create a sculpture of a woman you admire.
Steps:
- Optional: Make two or three wire-loop carving tools with rounded
or pointed tips by straightening a paper clip, then bending
it into the desired shape. Pinch the ends of the paper clip
wire with a wooden clothespin. Then wrap the end of the clothespin
tightly with masking tape to hold it shut.
- Choose a woman you would like to sculpt. Sketch a design of
her upper body and face in pencil. Ask yourself the following
questions as you work: What is her most obvious feature? What
is she wearing? What is her expression?
- Mold the clay into a ball or lump that is roughly the shape
of her head and upper body.
- Using your drawing as a guide, use the wire loop to carve
away tiny strips of clay. Try to imagine that the clay is a
chunk of solid stone. Work until you have the shape you want.
- Use other tools to create textures that suggest clothing,
hair, and other features.
- Place your sculpture on a pedestal!
Next Family Activity >>
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Materials
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Pencils and paper
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| Clay |
| Carving tools, such as a plastic knife,
large paper clip or wire loop made with paper clips, wooden
clothespins, and masking tape |
| Tools to create texture, such as a pencil,
fork, or comb |
| Materials for a pedestal, such as a small
cardboard box |
Harriet Tubman
Queen Latifah
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