"Rome – Foreign Correspondence of the Boston Post," Boston Post, February 23, 1867

"Rome – Foreign Correspondence of the Boston Post," Boston Post, February 23, 1867

Artists--Sculptors--US American

Citation of Anonymous Source

Cushman, Charlotte Saunders, 1816-1876

Gender Norms

Hosmer, Harriet Goodhue, 1830-1908

Italy--Rome

Praise

Reputation

Gossip--Published

Patriotism

Social Events--Studio Visits

Lewis, Edmonia, 1844-1907

Relationships--Networks

Relationships--Patrons and Protégés

Beauty

A short excerpt from this long report on the US American art market in Rome – the part in which Hosmer and Cushman are described as expert riders whose muscular physique would make men envious – is subsequently reprinted in a number of newspapers, among others Daily Ohio Statesman and Banner of Light.

Credit

NewspaperArchive.com

1867-02-23

Reference

Miss Hosmer

A few days ago I visited Miss Hosmer's studio, which is now one of the great resorts of strangers. It is on the Via Margatta, and has lately been refitted for her accommodation. It is far more convenient and elegant than the one she has heretofore occupied, and, moreover, much larger. There is now a suite of six rooms, whoch are bordered on one side by a handsome garden, full of that rich and exuberant display of flowers and foliage which even at this season appear on every hand in this favored climate. There are a dozen workmen of different grades on the premises, and all busily employed. Copies of former works, as well as her later ones, are constantly in progress, and the casts and statues on every side, the busy men chiselling one figure, polishing another, or patting the final touches on a third, while groups of visitors move about here and there, and contrive to form a very lively and bustling scene in this gray old city. It seems a little artistic settlement or new colony just beginning its existence on a new shore. It certainly is in truth no more nor less than that, and is another evidence of the capacity of the Puritans and their descendants for colonizing. The fountain which Miss Hosmer some time since designed for a wealthy English gentleman's conservatory is now nearly done. So nearly in fact that it has been set up in the artist's studio and the water let on, that its effect and the perfection of its working may be seen before its departure for England. The Syren on its top ceases to play the double pipe whose strains have hertofore [sic] absorbed her, the three little Cupids in the basin stop their gambols on the dolphin's back, and the very reeds and rushes that surround the pediment seem to bow their heads, that all may listen to the gentle melody of falling waters. The basin of this elegant work is made of dove-colored marble, and the statues of whhite marble from Cassara. The sentiment it expresses is beautiful, and gives a fresh idea of the cleverness of the designer. She is now preparing a copy of her Sleeping Fawn, for the great exhibition at Paris, and our country will be well represented there, both by Miss Hosmer and other artists. Her friend, Miss Stebbins, will also send her statue pf Columbus to Paris, and this extremely able work will soon be ready to start for that destination. Miss Hosmer is often seen in public here in Rome, at times driving a handsome carriage and span rapidly along the streets, at times on horseback, making her way (in which latter capacity she excels,) to the meet of the foxhounds on the Campagna. The pack this year is good, the sport fair and the amusement very fashionable. Miss Hosmer is an expert rider, and both she and Miss Cushman are often seen going at a furious pace over walls, fences and ditches close upon the heels of reynard. Each of these ladies has a strong and tireless energy, and a muscular physique which many men may well envy. They are gifted with wonderful endurance, which the latter has often had occasion to display upon the stage, and with which many of your readers are familiar. Both are thoroughly American and patriotic, yet of strong and impressive individuality that brings them out in striking contrast with the rest of society in Rome. Miss Cushman still continues to take the lead in all social affairs, and though now is mourning, yet dispenses her old and abundant hospitality to her American friends in a quiet and genial way that is so pleasing to every stranger. She has always shown great kindness to artists, especially to those from her own country who have come here poor and friendless and needed a helping hand. In this connection her generosity and devotion have been unlimited, and for it, if for nothing else, she deserves the gratitude of every American. Often has she infused her own courageous temperament into the despairing and given them freh energy to encounter the hardships that so often surround the beginning of an artist's career. And more than this, many a time has she bestowed from her own purse upon the deserving who were struggling with failing means the aid that was so much needed. Miss Cushman has a noble reputation in her own country for benevolence and public spirit, but nowhere can one appreciate so thoroughly as in Rome the good she has been so unwearied in doing.

https://newspaperarchive.com/boston-post-feb-23-1867-p-1 I. 2 June 2022.

Boston, MA, US

42.3602534

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