Ruth Gleaning 1850 - 1855

Randolph Rogers carved this marble sculpture, titled "Ruth Gleaning," sometime in the 19th century. The gleaner, Ruth, is realized through the subtractive process of carving; a laborious act of removing material to reveal the final form. Rogers, or his workshop, would have used various tools to chip away at the stone, gradually refining the shape and surface. The sensuousness of the marble enhances the figure's humanity, yet the stone's hardness demands an equal level of focus and determination from the artist. The story of Ruth, a poor widow collecting leftover grain, speaks to themes of labor, class, and survival. The sculpture's smooth, idealized surface belies the backbreaking toil of gleaning. Rogers's choice of marble elevates Ruth's story, associating it with classical ideals, while also subtly highlighting the social disparities of the time. Paying attention to materials and making allows us to fully appreciate the intricate relationship between artistic expression and social context.