Zenobia, The Queen of Palmyra at The Art Institute of Chicago, America

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Harriet Hosmer's Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra vividly captures the ruler of Palmyra who seized Egypt and much of Asia Minor before being defeated by Roman Emperor Aurelian in A.D. 272. After her capture, Zenobia was paraded through Rome in shackles. Hosmer's heroic bust showcases the queen's calm determination at this dismal moment and accentuates her strength as well as her beauty. A finely crafted toga drapes over her robust frame, while her face is framed by waves of neatly cascading hair and a crown adorned with intricate scrollwork. Although the chains from Hosmer's original full-length sculpture are missing, the emotion of the bust is intensified by Zenobia's facial expression. With her head tilted downward and her lips slightly parted, the queen appears resigned rather than remorseful. Like many fellow artists during mid-century, Hosmer traveled to Rome to complete her training and pursue a career. She became a prominent artistic figure in Italy. Not only her exceptional artistry but also her "industry" and "modest confidence" earned her the respect of her instructor, English sculptor John Gibson, and other male friends. As a woman who defied traditional notions of femininity, Hosmer was naturally drawn to subjects that also challenged conventional roles. She completed several ambitious sculptures of female subjects before turning to Zenobia in 1857. The artist exhibited this sculpture extensively throughout Europe and the United States during the 1860s, winning herself widespread critical acclaim and more commissions for smaller replicas and heroic busts like this one. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory, which is creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe that are accessible to the public for free. Scan the World is an open-source, community-driven effort. If you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.