James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) 1905

Editor: This is Daniel Chester French's bust of James Russell Lowell. It looks like it's made of stone or maybe plaster. I'm really struck by the detail in the face, but also by the way the ivy seems to be reclaiming it. What do you make of this piece? Curator: I'm interested in the labor involved in its creation. Think of the quarrying, the carving, and the implied patronage that enabled such a detailed work. Consider also the social context: Lowell, a figure of intellectual authority, immortalized through skilled craftsmanship. The materials elevate Lowell to a status, obscuring the process. Editor: So the material itself adds to the meaning? Curator: Precisely. The choice of stone, its enduring nature, speaks to a desire for lasting legacy, one built on both artistic skill and social standing. Editor: That's fascinating, seeing it as both art and a product of its time. Curator: Indeed, analyzing the materials and process offers a deeper understanding.