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Nydia, The Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii

A work made of marble.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of marble.

Date:

modeled 1855–56, carved 1858

Artist:

Randolph Rogers
American, 1825–1892

About this artwork

This statue is based on a character from Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s popular 1834 novel The Last Days of Pompeii. In the episode depicted here, Nydia and her two companions attempt to flee the city after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The three become separated, however, and Randolph Rogers captured Nydia as she gropes her way through the burning city. The broken Corinthian column at her feet symbolizes fallen Pompeii, and Nydia’s clinging garments, entangled in her staff, indicate her chaotic surroundings. Because of its narrative quality, sentimental presentation, and classical features and proportions, this sculpture was extremely popular with the American public upon its first being exhibited.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of the Americas

Artist

Randolph Rogers (Sculptor)

Title

Nydia, The Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii

Place

Rome (Place depicted)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Modeled 1855–1856

Medium

Marble

Inscriptions

Inscribed on base: "Rome 1858"

Dimensions

130.8 × 64.1 × 91.4 cm (51 1/2 × 25 1/4 × 36 in.)

Credit Line

Bequest of Mrs. Uri Balcom

Reference Number

1896.77

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/2446/manifest.json

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.

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