American Art Collaborative

Palmer, who was self-taught, was among the first American sculptors to break with the prevailing neoclassical style and adopt a more naturalistic approach. A version of this bust (likely in plaster or clay) was first exhibitied in New York in 1856, and a first marble version made soon after. The sculptor's account book shows that William T. Walters payed $600 for a second marble version of this work in 1858. It appears that four were made in this medium, the final being cut in 1871.