La Première Pose

Currently not on view

La Première Pose

1873-1876

Howard Roberts (American, 1843–1900)

This sculpture’s sensual portrayal of a young model posing nude for the first time offended many visitors at Philadelphia’s 1876 Centennial Exhibition. Its defenders, however, praised the marble’s subtle realism, declaring it equal to the best European work of the time. Like many American artists, Roberts studied in Paris, where nude subjects were more common.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

La Première Pose

Date:

1873-1876

Artist:

Howard Roberts (American, 1843–1900)

Medium:

Marble

Dimensions:

Height: 51 1/4 inches (130.2 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. Howard Roberts, 1929

Accession Number:

1929-134-1

Geography:

Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view