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Fisher Boy

Hiram Powers American
1841–44; carved 1857
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 736
Powers modeled this sculpture in Florence, Italy, where he earned an international reputation for his idealized subjects. In calling his only male nude "a kind of Appollino," he referred to ancient Greek depictions of the god Apollo as the epitome of youth. However, the longtime expatriate sculptor insisted on presenting a modern subject: a young fisherman uses a conch shell to listen for warnings of inclement weather, with net and tiller at his side. Powers skillfully developed an enthusiastic American patronage base. New York politician Hamilton Fish purchased seven works from the artist, including, while in Florence, this Fisher Boy carving.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fisher Boy
  • Artist: Hiram Powers (American, Woodstock, Vermont 1805–1873 Florence)
  • Date: 1841–44; carved 1857
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: 57 1/2 x 19 x 16 in. (146.1 x 48.3 x 40.6 cm)
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Hamilton Fish, 1894
  • Object Number: 94.9.1
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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