About this artwork
The prominent Chicago art collectors and philanthropists Bertha and Potter Palmer commissioned a pair of marble portrait busts during their wedding trip to Europe in 1871 (see Mr. Potter Palmer). Among the first works of art they purchased, the busts are indicative of the naturalistic, yet classically refined style of Hiram Powers, a well-known American sculptor who lived in Florence. Powers immortalized the couple in a dignified and graceful manner suitable to their social station. The Palmers were among the first Americans to avidly collect French Impressionist painting, and much of their collection now belongs to the Art Institute. Artist Mary Cassatt advised the couple on many of their purchases.
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On View
- Arts of the Americas, Gallery 161
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Artist
- Hiram Powers (Sculptor)
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Title
- Mrs. Potter Palmer
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Origin
- United States
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Date
- 1871
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Medium
- Carrera marble
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Dimensions
- 69.5 × 48.9 × 29.5 cm (27 3/8 × 19 1/4 × 11 5/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Gordon and Janis Palmer
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Reference Number
- 1990.494.2
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
