What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

This sculpture depicts a bare woman with her hands chained. This sculpture was intended to depicts the story of a Greek woman enslaved during the war of independence, but was later also interpreted to represent the enslavement of Black women in America. Her bare body and chains represent how she has been made powerless and is being violated. Her expression depicts her anguish and sorrow.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

The statue is made of white marble. The woman is carved very simply with little detail, but the pillar features intricate details. She appears incredibly realistic yet uncomplicated. She stands life size which makes her feel closer to the audience relating to the reality of the story of the women behind the sculpture.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

The museum chose to display this statue in a room called “Nations Divided,” which presents artwork depicting the harsher realities of American people, such as the African American community. This piece was interpreted by audiences of the time to relate to the struggle of enslaved black women. It speaks to the division of the nation and the suffering of enslaved people during this period.

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