William Wetmore Story (American, 1819–1895). Polyxena, 1873. Marble, statue: 54 1/2 x 24 x 44 1/2 in., 1303 lb. (138.4 x 61 x 113 cm, 591.04kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of George Freifeld, 05.240. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 05.240_bw_SL4.jpg)
William Wetmore Story (American, 1819–1895). Polyxena, 1873. Marble, statue: 54 1/2 x 24 x 44 1/2 in., 1303 lb. (138.4 x 61 x 113 cm, 591.04kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of George Freifeld, 05.240. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 05.240_detail_in_situ.jpg)
Polyxena
William Wetmore Story
American Art
In the middle of the nineteenth century, William Wetmore Story was the leading U.S. sculptor in Rome, internationally renowned for works inspired by classical literature, history, and mythology. This sculpture, taking on the subject of Polyxena, the youngest daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy, was typical of Story’s work.
According to Greek myth, Achilles fell in love with Polyxena and was offered her hand in marriage in exchange for ending the war between the Greeks and the Trojans. After Achilles was killed by Polyxena’s brother, his ghost vengefully demanded that she be sacrificed. Here she sits solemnly waiting to die.
According to Greek myth, Achilles fell in love with Polyxena and was offered her hand in marriage in exchange for ending the war between the Greeks and the Trojans. After Achilles was killed by Polyxena’s brother, his ghost vengefully demanded that she be sacrificed. Here she sits solemnly waiting to die.
MEDIUM
Marble
DATES
1873
DIMENSIONS
statue: 54 1/2 x 24 x 44 1/2 in., 1303 lb. (138.4 x 61 x 113 cm, 591.04kg)
base: 31 x 23 x 44 in., 1701 lb. (78.7 x 58.4 x 111.8 cm, 771.57kg) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Unsigned
INSCRIPTIONS
Painted in black on front of base: "POLYXENA. / By / W. W. STORY."
COLLECTIONS
American Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
05.240
CREDIT LINE
Gift of George Freifeld
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
William Wetmore Story (American, 1819–1895). Polyxena, 1873. Marble, statue: 54 1/2 x 24 x 44 1/2 in., 1303 lb. (138.4 x 61 x 113 cm, 591.04kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of George Freifeld, 05.240. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 05.240_bw_SL4.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 05.240_bw_SL4.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2018
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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