10 women sculptors :You may not Know
In the mid-19th century, a remarkable community of American women sculptors emerged, challenging societal norms and making significant contributions to the art world. Many of these talented individuals ventured abroad to cities like Rome, London, and Paris, or sought education in prestigious art schools that were gradually opening their doors to women. Others served as studio assistants to established male sculptors, while some found their place in American art schools in cities such as Chicago and New York City. Despite facing challenges, these women left an indelible mark on the world of sculpture, creating works of both intimate and monumental scale. Here, we celebrate 10 extraordinary women who stood out in the male-dominated field of sculpture.
Anne Whitney (1821–1915):
Courtsey: Brittanica Anne Whitney gained distinction for her portrayals of figures dedicated to social justice, particularly in support of abolitionist and suffragist movements. Primarily self-taught, she studied human anatomy with a doctor and spent time in Rome. One of her controversial works, "Roma" (1869), depicted the city of Rome as an impoverished old beggar woman. Despite winning a national commission to portray Charles Sumner in 1875, her submission was rejected upon discovering that the designs were by a woman.
Harriet Goodhue Hosmer (1830–1908):
Courtsey: Britannica
An expatriate working in the Neoclassical style in Rome, Harriet Hosmer achieved complete financial independence through her art. Her success peaked in 1855 with a small marble sculpture of Puck, the impish literary character in Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." Commissioned to produce numerous replicas, including one for the prince of Wales, she established herself as one of the most successful women sculptors of her time.Edmonia Lewis (1844–1907):
Courtsey: Britannica Orphaned and accused of theft and poisoning classmates, Edmonia Lewis overcame adversity to pursue sculpting in Boston. Her first celebrated work, a medallion bearing the head of abolitionist John Brown, propelled her to success in Rome. Her sculptures, inspired by the Emancipation Proclamation, Native American culture, and biblical stories, showcased her talent and resilience.
Vinnie Ream (1847–1914):
Courtsey: Britannica Vinnie Ream became known for her iconic marble Abraham Lincoln, unveiled in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda when she was just 18 years old. Winning major commissions, including a bronze of Civil War hero Admiral David G. Farragut in 1875, she created portrait busts of prominent military and political figures. Her later works, such as Samuel Kirkwood (1906) and Sequoyah (1912-14), are displayed in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall.
Janet Scudder (1869–1940):
Courtsey: Britannica Born Netta Deweze Frazee Scudder, she adopted the name Janet when attending art school in Cincinnati. Working as an assistant to sculptor Lorado Taft, she received commissions for the World’s Columbian Exposition. Settling in New York City, she gained a reputation for medallions and urban and garden fountains, notably the Frog Fountain (1901).
Bessie Potter Vonnoh (1872–1955):
Courtsey: Britannica Enrolling at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago at 14, Bessie Potter Vonnoh transitioned into sculpture under Lorado Taft's guidance. A visit to Auguste Rodin's studio in Paris inspired her to work in bronze. Known for intimate tabletop pieces, especially of mothers and children, her notable works include the Frances Hodgson Burnett Memorial Fountain (1926–37) in New York City’s Central Park.
Helen Farnsworth Mears (1872–1916):
Courtsey: Britannica Helen Farnsworth Mears began sculpting in childhood and earned a commission for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago at the age of 20. Studying with Augustus Saint-Gaudens in New York City, she created several important pieces, including a life-size sculpture of suffragist Frances Willard in the U.S. Capitol.
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1875–1942):
Courtsey: Britannica
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, co-founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art, displayed natural talent in sculpture. Creating dramatic memorials worldwide, her notable works include The Titanic Memorial (1914–31; in Washington, D.C.), The Scout (1923–24; in Cody, Wyoming), and the Peter Stuyvesant Monument (1936–39; in New York City).Anna Hyatt Huntington (1876–1973):
Courtsey: Britannica Award-winning sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, known for detailed sculptures of animals and equestrian works, lived until nearly 100. Despite minimal formal art education, she created enduring sculptures portraying figures like Joan of Arc, El Cid, and Andrew Jackson. With her husband, she established a sculpture park and nature preserve in South Carolina.
Augusta Savage (1892–1962):
Courtsey: Britannica. Augusta Savage, an African American sculptor, overcame adversity and became renowned in the early 20th century. Graduating from Cooper Union in New York City, she earned fellowships to study in Paris and later became the first African American elected to the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors. Her notable work, "Gamin" (1929), is a painted plaster sculpture depicting a young African American boy.
These 10 women sculptors defied the odds, leaving an enduring legacy in a field traditionally dominated by men. Their contributions to art, social justice, and cultural representation continue to inspire generations of artists and admirers.
